Netflix has ignited fierce debate in Sweden after casting Lebanese-Swedish actor Alexander Abdallah as King Gustav III in its upcoming period drama “The Von Fersens,” prompting accusations of historical distortion and calls for boycotts from critics on social media.
The streaming giant announced on Monday that Abdallah, who won Sweden’s prestigious Kristallen award for his role in “Snabba Cash,” will portray the 18th-century Swedish monarch in the romantic drama about aristocratic siblings Axel and Sophie von Fersen. The film, currently in production in Stockholm, focuses on the influential family’s fall from grace after being “cancelled” by the king.
The casting decision has triggered a wave of criticism on social media platform X, with some Swedish commentators expressing outrage at what they perceive as historical inaccuracy. They’re doing everything they can to distort our history,” wrote one user, whilst another declared they would cancel their Netflix subscription in protest.
Award-Winning Actor Takes on Royal Role
Alexander Abdallah, 31, born Jihad Abdallah to Lebanese parents who emigrated to Sweden in the 1980s, has established himself as one of Sweden’s most promising actors. He changed his first name to Alexander when he turned 18 and graduated from the prestigious Malmö Theatre Academy in 2018.
The Uppsala-raised actor’s breakthrough role in Netflix’s “Snabba Cash” earned him critical acclaim, with Aftonbladet’s Karolina Fjellborg calling his performance “dangerously good.” He won the Kristallen for Best Actor and the Såstaholm Film & Performing Arts Award for the role, establishing his credentials in Swedish drama.
His casting as Gustav III, who ruled Sweden from 1771 to 1792 and was known as the “Theatre King” for his patronage of the arts, represents a significant departure from traditional portrayals of the monarch. Gustav III founded the Swedish Academy, created a national costume, and had the Royal Swedish Opera built before his assassination at a masquerade ball in 1792.
Social Media Backlash Intensifies
The announcement has sparked heated reactions across Swedish social media, with critics arguing the casting represents an erasure of Swedish history. “A Lebanese as Gustav III, now they’ve really lost it completely,” one user wrote on X, whilst another compared it to hypothetically casting “Ryan Gosling as Martin Luther King.”
Carl-Magnus Uggla posted on X: “When I see Ryan Gosling play Martin Luther King, then I’ll stop reacting to this, but until then… WTF?!” His comment reflects a common argument from critics who claim the casting represents a double standard in historical representation.
Michel Thorsson, identifying himself as a lawyer, economist and philosopher, wrote: “Alexander Abdallah as Gustav III, in a costume drama on Netflix? Have they lost it completely? You might as well cancel your subscription.”
Netflix’s “Von Fersens” Production Details
The film, directed by Amanda Adolfsson and written by Tove Forsman, Sofie Forsman, and Gustav Tegby, stars Alva Bratt and Christian Fandango as the von Fersen siblings. The story follows the aristocratic pair as they navigate 18th-century Stockholm society after losing their privileged status.
“The Von Fersens is a grand, modern, fast-paced, and romantic drama film,” Netflix stated in its announcement. Siblings Axel and Sophie grew up as the ultimate it-duo of the 18th century, the influencers of their time, but suddenly, the family is cancelled by King Gustav III.
The production features an ensemble cast including August Wittgenstein from “The Crown,” Jonas Karlsson, and Lina Englund. Filming is currently underway in Sweden, though no premiere date has been announced.
Historical Context and Casting Debates
Axel von Fersen, the film’s protagonist, was one of Sweden’s most notable historical figures, best known for his alleged romantic relationship with French Queen Marie Antoinette. He served in the French army during the American Revolutionary War, participating in the siege of Yorktown, before meeting a violent end when he was beaten to death by a Stockholm mob in 1810.
The controversy surrounding Abdallah’s casting reflects broader debates about colour-blind casting in historical dramas. Whilst some argue such casting choices promote diversity and shouldn’t matter in fictional interpretations, critics contend it represents historical revisionism when applied to real historical figures.
Swedish news outlet Riks was among the first to highlight the social media backlash, with numerous commentators expressing frustration at what they perceive as Netflix “stealing and denying our history by repeatedly replacing historical white persons with people from other parts of the world.”
Actor’s Journey from Refugee Experience to Stardom
Abdallah’s personal history adds another layer to the controversy. When he was four years old, his family’s home in Östhammar was attacked by racist skinheads who assaulted his father, forcing the family to relocate to Gränby near Uppsala. This traumatic experience shaped his childhood in Sweden.
Despite these challenges, Abdallah pursued acting, attending Wik Folk High School and Fridhem Folk High School before his acceptance at Malmö Theatre Academy. His career has included acclaimed performances in “Thunder in My Heart,” “Paradis City,” and stage productions at prestigious Swedish theatres.
Beyond acting, Abdallah has worked as a director and screenwriter, co-creating the comedy-drama series “Halva halva” with Mustafa al-Mashhadani. His success represents a significant achievement for diversity in Swedish entertainment, though his casting as Gustav III has become a lightning rod for debates about representation and historical accuracy.
Streaming Giant’s Approach to Historical Drama
Netflix has not publicly responded to the controversy surrounding the casting decision. The streaming service has previously faced criticism for its approach to historical dramas, including lawsuits over its portrayal of Swedish Prime Minister Olof Palme’s assassination in another production.
The “Von Fersens” represents Netflix’s latest investment in Swedish content, following successful series like “Young Royals” and “Snabba Cash.” The company has increasingly focused on producing local content for international markets, though this strategy sometimes generates controversy when traditional narratives are reimagined.
Industry observers note that Netflix’s approach often prioritises contemporary storytelling techniques and diverse casting over strict historical accuracy, viewing period dramas as vehicles for exploring timeless themes rather than documentary recreations.
Cultural Tensions in Modern Sweden
The casting controversy occurs against a backdrop of ongoing debates about Swedish identity, immigration, and cultural representation. Sweden’s demographics have changed significantly in recent decades, with approximately 20% of the population now having foreign backgrounds.
These demographic shifts have sparked discussions about who can represent Swedish history and culture, with some viewing inclusive casting as reflecting modern Sweden’s diversity, whilst others see it as erasing traditional Swedish heritage.
The debate mirrors similar controversies in other countries where historical dramas have featured non-traditional casting, including British productions casting actors of colour as Anne Boleyn and historical figures in “Bridgerton,” though that series explicitly presents itself as alternative history.
As filming continues on “The Von Fersens,” the controversy shows no signs of abating, with social media users continuing to debate whether artistic interpretation should override historical accuracy in period dramas. The film’s eventual release will likely reignite these discussions about representation, history, and identity in contemporary Sweden.
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