Hope Studios’ Fredrik Wikström Nicastro & Robin Sharma
European film studio Hope Studios, led by veteran producer Fredrik Wikström Nicastro, is setting up a feature adaptation of Robin Sharma’s The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari, the internationally bestselling book about a life-changing journey, filled with powerful life lessons that teach us how to abandon consumerism in order to live life to the full and discover lasting joy, freedom and peace.
The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari is based on Sharma’s own search for life’s true purpose, providing an approach to living with greater courage, balance, abundance and bravery. It tells the story of Julian Mantle, a lawyer forced to confront the personal crisis of his out-of-balance life after a tragedy – and his transformational journey through India. Originally published in 1999, the book has sold over 10 million copies and been translated into 70 languages.
The feature adaptation will follow John – an impatient and egocentric young lawyer who needs to team up with one of his legal idols, the high-powered Julian Mantle, who recently returned to the firm after mysteriously vanishing off the scene for years. But the legendary Julian has completely transformed – he has now become an eccentric joy seeker and John suspects he may have lost his edge. The story traces the beginning of an unexpected friendship and a journey of self-discovery for them both that will change their lives forever.
Fredrik Wikström Nicastro, Founder and CEO of Hope Studios, said: “I first read Robin´s delightful book over a decade ago and it has remained one of my all-time favourites– its themes about what is important in life, the search for meaning and purpose, the ability to heal and grow through friendship and to be present and enjoy the journey of life – is more relevant now than ever. We’re so honoured that he’s trusting Hope Studios to translate this epic story to the screen.”
Robin Sharma, added: “I’ve waited over 25 years to find the right studio to bring ‘The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari’ into film. I’m excited by Fredrik’s vision for the movie and his great passion for the story. I feel highly confident this film will inspire many millions of people across the globe, in these turbulent times.”
Hope Studios’ current slate also includes a feature adaptation of Fredrik Backman’s New York Times bestselling novel Anxious People. The book is being adapted by two-time Academy Award® nominated screenwriter David Magee (A Man Called Otto, The Little Mermaid, Life of Pi, Finding Neverland), with the project reuniting the team behind the box office phenomenon A Man Called Otto, starring Tom Hanks, which grossed $112M globally and subsequently was a huge hit on Netflix. The film was produced by Nicastro and adapted by Magee from Backman’s New York Times bestseller A Man Called Ove. Hope Studios is also in pre-production on The Night House, an adaptation of master storyteller Jo Nesbø’s chilling novel of the same name starring Aaron Paul (“Breaking Bad,” The Last House on the Left) and Jacob Tremblay (Room, Good Boys), which is set to shoot this summer in Álava, Spain.
Hope Studios has offices in Stockholm and London, and develops, finances, produces, and sells international films and TV for the global market.
During his tenure at SF Studios, Nicastro produced more than 20 films, launched scores of Scandinavian talent internationally and established the company’s international film division, which he ran up until his recent departure. He has a strong track record of identifying IP that he has developed, produced, and overseen into successful, long running franchises, across different formats including “Snabba Cash”, which he produced and co-wrote. Following its success, Fredrik expanded the project into a film trilogy and a multi-season series at Netflix. Similarly with A Man Called Ove, Fredrik oversaw the original Swedish adaptation which was nominated for two Academy Awards as well as the recent Tom Hanks-led A Man Called Otto.
