The team frames this as a bold, internationally appealing dark comedy exploring egocentrism and the absurdity of the theatre world, with strong international potential.
Insiders note the 'drama' here is literal: the lead character dies by chainsaw in the first episode. Åhman is swapping his usual self-written roles for a scripted death, a rare move for the KAJ star.
1. Variety exclusive date: October 13, 2026. 2. Production company: Warner Bros. International Television Production Finland. 3. Broadcaster: Svenska YLE. 4. Quote: 'This leads to… his accidental death by chainsaw.'
If you thought 'Bloodsuckers' was dark, wait until the lead gets chainsawed in the pilot. This reunion is going for the jugular.
The 'Bloodsuckers' brain trust is back, but this time they are bringing a chainsaw to the party. In a major exclusive, Variety reports that comedian Axel Åhman, best known as a member of the viral Finnish comedy group KAJ, has been tapped to star in 'Body in the Closet,' a new series produced by Warner Bros. International Television Production Finland.
The twist? Åhman isn’t playing the hero who survives; he’s playing Staffan, a theatre employee who meets his untimely demise in the very first episode. It’s a bold move for a star who usually writes his own fate, but as Åhman told Variety, 'I found it funny to play a murder victim. I like it when characters meet an unexpected end.' The creative team behind this macabre reunion includes director Elin Grönblom and writer/lead actress Josefin Sonck, the duo who previously collaborated on the hit 'Bloodsuckers.' The series promises to dive deep into the toxic dynamics of the theatre world, with Sonck playing Betty, the object of Staffan’s clumsy affection.
After his accidental chainsaw death, Staffan returns as a ghost to haunt Betty, turning the production into a supernatural exploration of egocentrism and narcissistic relationships. Grönblom describes the tone as 'dark comedy with some killing,' noting that the team is drawn to showing 'the absurdity of a serious topic' through humor. It’s not just a ghost story; it’s a commentary on how far people will go for validation.
While the premise sounds like pure schlock, the production pedigree is serious business. Svenska YLE, the Swedish-language division of Finland’s public broadcaster, is already on board, signaling confidence in the project’s domestic reach. Producer Mia Oikarinen highlighted Åhman’s specific fit for the role, citing his 'comic timing and background in writing.' This marks a significant pivot for Åhman, who admitted, 'I have mainly played characters from my own writing.' Taking on a scripted role where he is literally killed off early suggests he’s ready to prove his acting chops beyond the sketch comedy circuit.
The team believes the show has 'strong international potential,' leveraging the universal theme of self-absorption to appeal to global markets. Filming is scheduled to begin next autumn, setting the stage for a gray Helsinki autumn aesthetic that the creators say will ground the absurdity in reality. The story focuses on the Swedish-speaking minority in Finland, a world Grönblom notes is 'recognized anywhere' due to its 'prejudiced, grandiose characters.' Sonck emphasized that while the show has horror elements, it is distinct from a standard 'horror comedy.' Instead, it relies on surprise and 'playing with the audience’s expectations' to deliver a suspenseful plot filled with twists and cliffhangers.
With a cast of 'funny, quirky characters who act out the things we all secretly think but would never admit,' 'Body in the Closet' is poised to be the next big export from the Nordics. The tea here is cold: Åhman is dead, but his career is just heating up.
