Stellan Skarsgard ('Mamma Mia!'), actor: "I'll never film in this country again"

During the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, actor Stellan Skarsgård made his position on filming in Norway clear. The actor was awarded the Crystal Globe for Lifetime Achievement at the Czech Republic festival, and there he shared a curious anecdote about the filming of his latest movie, Sentimental Courage , directed by Joachim Trier, director of The Worst Person in the World .

During a group interview reported by Variety , the Swedish actor revealed the reason for his refusal to film in Norway. It all goes back to his experience on Insomnia (1997), where, as he explained, the quality of the crew food was so poor that he lost eight kilos : "They gave us a pre-sliced loaf of bread and plastic salami. That was it!" Hence, the actor, at the time, declared emphatically: "I will never film in this country again, unless we have a good lunch."

Since then, Skarsgård has stated that he has never signed a contract without including a clause guaranteeing meals "of the highest European standard. And that's expensive. Norway is the richest country , but it doesn't want to spend money on food." The actor, known for his role as Bill in Mamma Mia! and for participating in franchises such as Dune , or Star Wars , took over as executive producer on Sentimental Value .

For this project, co-starring Renate Reinsve and Elle Fanning and winner of the Grand Jury Prize at Cannes 2025, Skarsgård decided to cut his salary by half a million kroner to ensure the entire crew ate with real tableware , without paper bags or makeshift menus. "And you don't wait in line; you sit down and eat. It makes everyone happier and makes the film much better. I haven't made a single bad film in Norway since then," he said.

A critical look at the industry

At the same media event, the veteran actor harshly criticized the economic model that governs much of today's film industry, controlled by investment funds and large conglomerates. He cited AT&T's acquisition of Time Warner as an example, which, he said, forced production companies like HBO to abandon risky content in favor of lighter offerings.

Although he laments the disappearance of mid-budget films, Skarsgård still finds meaning in his work in independent films : "Being on a film set remains my greatest source of joy." And although he claims to have no interest in moving to the US , he makes it clear that he remains committed to his craft, as long as the minimum conditions are met, which, for him, begin with a good lunch. Sentimental Valor is expected to hit Spanish theaters on December 5.