No matter what the film is, when a Hollywood studio announces its intentions to make an English-language remake of an acclaimed foreign-language film, folks get upset. Most of the time, it all revolves around film fans that don’t understand why American audiences are so hesitant to watch films with subtitles. But for the recently announced English-language remake of “Another Round,” despite potentially starring Leonardo DiCaprio, film fans seem more agitated than usual. Regardless of the fan sentiment, actor Mads Mikkelsen thinks remaking “Another Round” for an American audience comes with its own unique challenges.
Speaking to EW, it doesn’t appear that Mads Mikkelsen, who starred in the original, Oscar-winning version of “Another Round,” is totally against the idea of a remake. However, he’s just not sure that the story can translate very well from its origins in Denmark to the culture of America.
“It’s always tricky to make a remake but on the other hand, I understand why,” said Mikkelsen. “Because even though a lot of people might watch [the original], it’s not that big. Having said that I have a hunch that a lot of Americans [have] watched this one. So it’s going to be interesting, the remake. There are some cultural differences with alcohol from nation to nation, especially between Denmark and America. Everyone’s always like, won’t they approach it really differently in America? Maybe. Maybe not. I mean the film is about embracing life and re-finding your life. I think if they get that right, they can have some freedom with the alcohol.”
Mikkelsen’s comments come on the heels of filmmaker Thomas Vinterberg, who gave the remake his seal of approval. However, it’s clear that no one, not even those involved with the original film, is 100% sold on the idea of an American remake of “Another Round” actually being able to capture the magic of the original, with or without Leonardo DiCaprio.
You can watch “Another Round” on Hulu now.