A biopic of Pippi Longstocking’s creator is on the way. Deadline reports that Music Box Films has snagged U.S. rights to “Becoming Astrid,” Pernille Fischer Christensen’s look into the life of Swedish author Astrid Lindgren.
Written by Christensen and Kim Fupz Aakeson (“Perfect Sense”), the pic premiered at the Berlinale in February. “Becoming Astrid” depicts the young life of Lindgren and “sheds light on the events and influences that shaped her” and led to the creation of Pippi Longstocking, an outgoing, supernaturally strong child with iconic red pigtails. Alba August (“Below the Surface”) plays the title role in “Becoming Astrid.”
The first “Pippi Longstocking” book was published in 1945, and the heroine has been the subject of a number of films and TV series.
“We are looking forward to bringing the inspiring yet untold story of one of Sweden’s most beloved writers to U.S. audiences,” commented Music Box Films president William Schopf.
“Becoming Astrid” has secured distribution across the globe, including Germany, Austria, Switzerland (DCM), China (DD Dream), and Scandinavia (Nordisk Film).
“I would not be the same person if I had not had Pippi,” Christensen has said of the character’s influence on her. She described Lindgren as “one of the most innovative and influential artists of our time.”
“Someone You Love,” “A Family,” and “A Soap” are among Christensen’s credits. The latter won Best Debut Film at the 2006 Berlinale.
