Swedish Cold War Satire Premiere on Disney+: What to Expect
Disney+ is set to premiere its first Nordic original, a Swedish Cold War political satire called Whiskey on the Rocks, on January 22. The story is based on real events that unfolded when a Soviet nuclear Whiskey class submarine was found aground in a restricted Swedish military area on October 28, 1981. The show follows Sweden’s Prime Minister Thorbjörn Fälldin, played by Rolf Lassgård, as he navigates the tense situation between Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev and U.S. President Ronald Reagan.
The series features a talented cast, including Kęstutis Stasys Jakštas as Leonid Brezhnev and Mark Noble as Ronald Reagan. It is inspired by a story from author Jonas Jonasson and brought to life by writer Henrik Jansson-Schweizer and director Björn Stein. The show is a collaboration between SVT and The Walt Disney Company Nordic & Baltic.
After its initial airing on SVT1 during the Christmas season, Whiskey on the Rocks will be available on Disney+ globally (excluding Sweden) and on Hulu in the U.S. starting January 22. The director of the show, Björn Stein, describes it as a blend of humor and suspense, with a visual language that enhances the storytelling in a unique way.
Vibeke Lia of The Walt Disney Company Nordic & Baltic expressed excitement about this partnership with SVT and Humanoids, highlighting the rich storytelling and talent of the Nordic region. The show promises to offer viewers around the world a fresh take on the events of 1981 in Karlskrona while delivering a mix of drama and absurdity.
