Believe it or not, even though “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” is already set for December release date, David Fincher is going to be racing to the finish line. The length shoot started this fall and as Stellan Skarsgård recently revealed production will continue in L.A. and Sweden right through until April or May. With a lengthy shooting schedule it’s no surprise that casting of smaller parts continues and a new name has been added along with a couple of others that have slipped through the cracks.
De Volkskrant reports that Dutch actor Yorick van Wageningen (“Beyond Borders,” “The Chronicles of Riddick“) will play Nils Bjurman, the court appointed guardian over Lisbeth Salander (Rooney Mara) when Holger Palmgren suffers a heart attack. We’re not going to spoil what happens next, but it’s not pleasant. As for Holger, he will be played by Swedish actor Bengt C.W. Carlsson (“Songs from the Second Floor“), according to Moviezine. The site reports that his filming is finished, but that he’s due back in March for additional recording. The site also adds that he’s been lined up for all three films, but that’s likely a contract clause/option everyone is getting and considering the character is barely existent in the first novel, it’s likely more of a “just in case” scenario. Finally, Swedish actress Mathilda von Essen — who largely has appeared on stage or in commercials — makes her film debut in ‘Dragon Tattoo.’ The announcement was made last month by Expressen. She will play Anita Vanger, sister of Cecilia, a part that was cut out of the Swedish film version of the book; her scenes have also completed filming.
These actors were likely thrilled to be working with the massive ensemble assembled for the film that includes Rooney Mara, Daniel Craig,Robin Wright, Stellan Skarsgard,Christopher Plummer, Joely Richardson, Steven Berkoff and more. The film continues to divide as die hard Stieg Larsson fans refuse to believe that Fincher can deliver a unique take on the material (he’s changing the ending) or that Rooney Mara can play Lisbeth Salander. On the other hand, Fincher enthusiasts remain optimistic, particularly as the director is re-teaming with Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross for the score.
We’ll find out who’s right when the film opens on December 21st.