Hannibal Writer Reimagines Dragon Tattoo for Modern TV

Sky has greenlit a fresh television adaptation of The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, with Steve Lightfoot—best known for his work on Hannibal—at the helm. The last time Stieg Larsson’s bestseller was brought to American screens, David Fincher directed, and Daniel Craig starred alongside Rooney Mara. That film, now something of a cult favourite, showcased Craig in one of his most layered roles as Mikael Blomkvist.

The new series is set to run for eight episodes, with production duties shared between Andy Harries, Charlottee Moore, John Phillips, Sam Hoyle, Amy Pascal, and Scott Rudin. While details remain under wraps, early word suggests this version will shift the action to the present day, offering a contemporary spin on the original story.

Bringing the Millennium to the Present

Larsson’s plot centres on Mikael Blomkvist, a journalist fallen from grace, who teams up with the enigmatic hacker Lisbeth Salander. Together, they attempt to unravel the decades-old disappearance of a young woman—a mystery that has haunted a powerful family for forty years.

Lightfoot’s take is expected to retain the investigative heart of the source material, while updating its context for today’s world. The adaptation promises to explore themes of entrenched misogyny, abuses of authority, and sexual violence—issues that, regrettably, remain all too relevant.

It’ll bring the story into the present, grounded in the characters and investigative DNA of Stieg Larsson’s Millennium novels, with themes that carry heightened relevance today.

There’s no word yet on when viewers can expect the series to air, as it’s still in the early stages of development. Should it prove successful, it may well open the door for further adaptations of Larsson’s subsequent novels.

Fincher’s Film: A Tough Act to Follow?

When Fincher’s adaptation hit cinemas, the response was somewhat muted. Critics praised its fidelity to Larsson’s vision and its refusal to sanitise the darker elements, but the film’s unflinching depiction of violence sparked controversy. At the time, Craig was riding high on his Bond fame, and the film was marketed as a prestige thriller. Yet, what audiences received was a stark, adult drama with a decidedly bleak conclusion.

Over time, however, the film has found a devoted following, with many now considering it among Craig’s finest performances. Its commitment to the spirit of the novel has only grown in esteem.

Lightfoot’s Challenge: Matching Grit and Depth

Given Lightfoot’s track record with mature, psychologically complex material—his work on Hannibal springs to mind—there’s curiosity about whether he’ll embrace the same uncompromising tone that defined Fincher’s version. The bar is set high: Fincher’s film boasted career-best turns from its cast and a distinctive, moody atmosphere.

Sky’s new adaptation, though, seems intent on forging its own path. If it manages to balance the grit of the original with a fresh perspective, it could well establish itself as a standout in its own right.