A new screen adaptation of Astrid Lindgren’s cherished 1981 children’s book, ‘Ronja the Robber’s Daughter,’ is now available for streaming, with TV premieres scheduled for Christmas Day. Six episodes will air over two days. Sixteen-year-old actress Kerstin Linden, who plays the lead, expressed her excitement about the role, reflecting on her childhood connection to the story. She undertook intense preparation, including horse riding and movement workshops, while balancing her education during filming. Linden shared her holiday plans and family traditions as Christmas approaches.
New Adaptation of a Classic Tale: Ronja the Robber’s Daughter
The beloved children’s book ‘Ronja the Robber’s Daughter,’ originally penned by renowned Swedish author Astrid Lindgren in 1981, has been reimagined for the screen. The first season of this exciting new series has been available for streaming on the ARD media library since December 20. Viewers can catch the premiere of the first three episodes on television on Christmas Day, December 25, starting at 8:15 PM, with episodes four to six airing the following day, December 26, at 5:45 PM. A second season is anticipated to be released in 2025.
Kerstin Linden: A Young Star’s Journey
In a recent interview, 16-year-old Swedish actress Kerstin Linden shared her thoughts on taking on the lead role in this adaptation. “I’ve always cherished Astrid Lindgren’s stories. My parents read ‘Ronja the Robber’s Daughter’ to me during my childhood, making it very special to me. Being part of this iconic story feels surreal and incredibly exciting,” she expressed. Kerstin noted that almost every Swedish child has imagined being either Ronja or Birk while growing up, making her role even more significant.
Discussing her preparation for the character, Linden revealed, “It was the most intense preparation I’ve ever undergone. I learned to ride horses both before and during filming, and we had workshops with a movement coach to help us embody our characters. We even crawled on the floor and interacted as animals to connect more deeply with the story.” She also described the filming atmosphere, highlighting both the eerie costumes of the gray dwarfs and the computer-generated wild harpies, which added a unique thrill to the scenes.
When asked about her personal affinity for spooky tales, Kerstin replied, “I do enjoy creepy stories sometimes; it’s fun to have a little scare.” Reflecting on her childhood experiences in the woods, she shared a fond memory of roasting marshmallows with her mother, which brought warmth and coziness to her adventurous spirit.
Kerstin’s journey into acting began at a young age, with her passion for performance evident from her early school days. While filming took her away from school for significant periods, she managed to balance her education with the help of a dedicated teacher. “My classmates don’t often discuss my acting, but when they do, it’s nice to see them proud of my achievements,” she mentioned.
As the holiday season approaches, Linden shared her Christmas plans, stating, “This year, I’ll be at my grandparents’ place on Christmas Eve, and then I’ll spend time in Gothenburg.” She emphasized the importance of maintaining traditions, highlighting the Swedish game show ‘Bingolotto’ as a festive staple in her family. While they don’t have a specific holiday movie tradition, she mentioned that ‘Home Alone’ often makes an appearance during their celebrations, alongside a variety of Christmas films.