The first news came from Hollywood Reporter, then came confirmation from the Guardian. In short, the sources are authoritative. And so we can officially say that Erling Haaland is ready to make his film debut. The Manchester City striker will voice a character in the animated film ViQueens, specifically a Viking (and it could hardly have been otherwise). A Viking who, apparently, is supposed to be called Haaland. The film will be directed by Harald Zwart, who was born in Amsterdam but holds Norwegian citizenship, and is expected to be released during the next Christmas holidays.
Zwart himself explained that “having Haaland in the film’s cast is an incredible thrill. Erling has already become something of a real-life Viking icon all over the world: powerful, fearless and unmistakably Norwegian. Bringing him into this universe as himself gives the film an unexpected energy and authenticity, which fit perfectly with the story we intend to tell.” Rita Ora and Ella Purnell have also been involved in the project, while the soundtrack was composed by Christophe Beck, who has already created the soundtrack for genuine cult works such as Frozen, Frozen II and Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
ViQueens is currently in production, but Haaland’s arrival in the cast will ensure that the project can have even greater appeal, especially in international markets. Solveig Langeland, CEO of Sola Media (the company handling the film’s global distribution), said that “Erling transcends sport, he is a cultural figure of global reach. His involvement adds an exciting additional dimension to a work we strongly believe in, as it combines adventure, humor and powerful emotions.” All that remains is to wait and see Haaland in this new guise.