Stieg Larsson's 'Millennium' series in film
They're full of kinky sex, abuse, intrigue and crime - the "Millennium" series offer all the right ingredients for a successful film. As the fourth book is released, here's a look at the film versions of the first three.
From cinema to TV
The cinema versions of "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo," "The Girl Who Played with Fire," and "The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets' Nest" drew scores of viewers. In Germany, public broadcaster ZDF adapted the films starring Michael Nyqvist and Noomi Rapace into a six-part television series.
The anti-femme fatale
Lisbeth Salander is just as well known as a real celebrity - even though she's fictional. The sociopathic IT expert and hacker finds herself on the police's radar after a murder takes place. She is the main protagonist in Stieg Larsson's thrilling "Millennium" trilogy. In the Swedish film version, she's played by Noomi Rapace.
'Millennium': A fictional investigative magazine
The "Millennium" books have become bestsellers around the world, selling nearly 80 million copies. Protagonist Mikael Blomkvist, played by Michael Nyqvist, is an investigative journalist for "Millennium." He's in the thick of the action, together with Lisbeth Salander. His colleague Erika is played by Lenda Endre.
Open affairs
The film versions of the bestsellers came out in 2009. Niels Arden of Denmark directed part one, "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo." The second and third parts were directed by Daniel Alfredson of Sweden. Author Stieg Larsson died in 2004, prior to the publication of the books. Character Michael Blomqvist is pictured with his colleague and lover Erika Berger.
Dark secrets
The third "Millennium" film came out in November 2009 in Sweden. In "The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest," Salander once again battles perversion, hypocrisy and hate. She and Mikael couldn't be more different, but sift through the depths of humanity to solve their case.
American remake
After the films were a success in Europe, Hollywood created its own remake with director David Fincher. Part one of the eerie thriller, starring Daniel Craig and Rooney Mara in the lead rolls, came out in 2011.
Oscar nomination
Rooney Mara was nominated for an Oscar for her performance as Lisbeth Salander in "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo." Part two is supposed to be released in 2015, but no date has been set.