Prime Video Sets Premiere Date for ‘Paradis City' From ‘Snabba Cash' Scribe Jens Lapidus: ‘More Hell Than Paradise' (EXCLUSIVE)
Prime Video has set the global launch date for its premium Swedish show 'Paradis City,' a fast-paced dystopian actioner, based on 'Snabba Cash' scribe Jens Lapidus' eponymous stand-alone novel.
The six-part series, due to launch March 7 exclusively on Prime Video, is being showcased as a works in progress today Jan. 29 at Göteborg's TV Drama Vision.
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Produced by Lapidus' shingle Strive Studios, the show is to-lined by Alexander Abdallah ('Snabba Cash'), Julia Ragnasson ('Midsommar,' 'Blinded') and Sverrir Gudnason ('Falling,' 'Face to Face'). Fenar Ahmad ('Darkland') and Alain Darborg ('Red Dot') serve as directors.
Adapted for the small screen by head writer Björn Paqualin ('Occupied,' 'Thicker than Water') with Michaela Hamilton ('A Class Apart') and Oliver Dixon ('The Lawyer'), 'Paradis City' is set in the near future.
The polarization of Swedish society has reached unprecedented levels and prison-like walls are separating privileged citizens from vulnerable and supposedly dangerous zones, governed by special laws. When the Home Secretary is abducted by masked men at a rally in one of the largest 'no-go' zones, Paradis City, special agents Fredrika (Ragnarsson) enlists Emir (Abdallah), an ex-MMA fighter facing life in prison to find the politician, otherwise he might risk losing a chance to see his daughter again.
'It's more Hell City than Paradise City,' says Lapidus about his dystopian universe where only viewers can decide who are the good or bad guys on each side of the walls. 'The titles of my novels have different interpretations, but this is obviously ironic,' continues the high-profile Swedish novelist and former criminal defence lawyer, whose 'Snabba Cash' Stockholm noir trilogy turned into global hits in libraries and on small and silver screens. The Netflix reboot, co-created by Lapidus, also put Abdallah's name on the list of talent to watch.
But what made the best-selling crime writer break away from his distinctively realistic vision of Stockholm's underworld to tap into sci-fi?
'Well I had moved to Mallorca, Spain in 2017, and quit my job as a lawyer to fully focus on writing,' Lapidus tells Variety. 'Listening to and reading the news about Sweden from afar, I started to see a country wrecked by gang violence. That's when I got the idea to draw a Sweden seen from a distance, not geographical but in time. I started thinking-what would happen if this violence and criminality were getting out of control? What would be the nightmare scenario? Well that nightmare scenario would be a society unable to protect itself and suddenly forced to build gigantic walls to fence off the 'dangerous' people.'
For Lapidus, his dystopian vision of Sweden is not that far from reality. 'Stockholm is among the most segregated cities in Europe, therefore the walls in 'Paradis City' are an extrapolation, a metaphorical depiction of what already exists,' he observes.Turning to the TV show that he executive produced, Lapidus says the key questions it asks and he hopes the audience will reflect upon, are 'how do western democracies deal with polarization in society? Does the end justify the means?'
Producer Niklas Wikström Nicasto, a partner in Strive Studios, says the show 'is structured almost like a feature, with a fast pace. It literally follows the novel, although of course, story-wise we've made changes.'With the 1981 John Carpenter movie 'Escape from New York' starring Kurt Russell as one of the points of reference, the creatives made sure the tone, style and characterisation would be broadened. Comparing the characters in the series to Frodo in 'The Lord of the Rings' who comes across the Dwarves and Elves in Middle-earth, the author says his protagonists also go on a journey. 'In the show, you cross different groups, different worlds. This gives you a broader understanding of society,' Lapidus notes.
Casting-wise, enrolling Alexander Abdallah to play the charismatic and fierceful Emir was an obvious choice, but finding the right actress to play special agent Fredrika was a long and winding process. 'Julia got the part only three weeks before shooting. It was crazy. But we're so happy with our choice. Both Alexander and Julia are among the most talented of their generation,' says Nicastro.
Originally ordered by Viaplay, the series ended up with Prime Video when the Nordic streamer hit financial trouble and decided to sell off rights to bring in extra cash . 'Amazon Prime came in during production. They've been super enthusiastic from day one, and our collaboration went very smoothly,' said the producer who is hoping for the brand to carry on. 'The novel is a closed story, but our show has strong returnable potential,' he claims.
Commenting on 'Paradis City,' Karin Lindström, head of originals at Nordic Amazon MGM Studios/Prime Video, said: 'We are always on the lookout for established, impactful IP with strong local relevance for our scripted titles. Jens Lapidus' book immediately stood out to us, not only because of its compelling narrative but also due to his close collaboration with the production team and alignment with the producers' vision for engaging the audience with this story.'
'Paradis City' was part of a package of nine scripted originals acquired from Viaplay in February 2024 by the U.S. global streamer, as part of its commitment to the Nordic region, which remains as strong as ever as Lindström told Variety: 'We aim to offer a diverse mix of local scripted and unscripted titles that not only drive new Prime subscriptions but also encourage members to return regularly, creating a true one stop entertainment destination.
Our strategy has proven successful in blending international and local content to achieve this goal,' she said. 'While the exact number of titles varies depending on their potential impact, for 2025 we plan to launch six scripted and 14 unscripted titles across Sweden, Norway, and Denmark. Looking ahead, we have no intention of scaling back and remain committed to delivering a strong and engaging lineup.'
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Skip The Uncomfortable Heels And Get These Fancy Flats For Special Occasions
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My mother definitely had a pair like these in her closet when I was a kid, making them sweetly nostalgic and perfect for vintage-lovers. This timeless look will never go out of style and is perfect for all your fancy get-togethers. They're available in a wide range of colors in sizes 5.5-10.5. Promising reviews: "Comfortable and super cute! Best flats ever. Matches everything from shorts to evening dress. Lots of compliments! Im gonna buy a backup pair! Wish they had more colors I would buy them all!" — J.O. "Very classy. Wore them today to a tea party they are very nice looking comfortable and got several compliments." — Sara Waterman "These adorable little black flats were a terrific find! They are super lightweight and durable. I've worn them plenty of times now and they are so comfortable and don't hurt to walk in. I've bought other shoes that have fallen apart in 1 or 2 wears, but not these! They are perfect! They fit true to size, and are even okay for wider feet. I'll definitely be buying these in more colors, because at this price point, I can't afford not to!" — Jessica J. $31 at Amazon Margaux These notoriously comfortable flats from Margaux feature a supportive inner sole and plush foam padding that molds to your feet the longer you wear them. The strappy slingback and Mary Jane hybrid style gives them a unique look, while the two-tone Italian leather construction is as elegant as it gets. These shoes are available in three different widths and four different colors in sizes 3.5-12, depending on which color you purchase. Promising reviews: "Beautiful, comfy, classy slingback. Walked immediately in them with no problems. Well made and hope to have for a long time since will go with everything. I did take the advice to size up a half size and they are perfect." — Lynn K. "I bought these shoes for a Celebration of Life and was on feet for hours with out any discomfort or hot spots. 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Runs true to size." — Amber $70 at DSW (regularly $120) Vivaia We are big fans of Vivaia shoes over here at HuffPost – the brand's Margot shoe just received a HuffPicks award – and these elegant d'orsay flats promise to offer the same combination of style and comfort that other Vivaia is known for. The cutout detailing on the side gives them an unexpected look, while the array of different colors and patterns from makes it possible to customize your look to perfectly suit the occasion. They feature Vivaia's signature plush insoles and unique fabric, both of which help to enhance the shoe's overall comfort factor. Available in sizes 5-11. Promising reviews: "I have been eyeing these shoes for awhile. Finally decided to take the plunge. I am really glad I did! What I love about Vivaia shoes is that I can dress up or down, and still be comfortable. I can wear these year round. These are really pretty. I wasn't sure about the "v slant" in the middle, but I quickly got used to it. They are truly comfortable. This is my fifth pair of shoes, and Vivaia has become my favorite choice. The bottoms are nonslip, which is a huge plus! I find that pointed shoes are more comfortable for me. I do have smaller feet, and more normal than or narrow or wide. While not a huge deal to me, shipping was incredibly fast!" — Beth "The shoes are very comfortable, even when you're wearing them in very hot and humid days, when the feet tend to get swollen. They also look great! They're very elegant." — Raquel D. $69+ at Vivaia $129+ at Amazon Zappos Sam Edelman's Nico skimmer has a select number of extremely positive reviews at Zappos, all speaking to its comfort and eye-catching design. The velvet upper is ready for a night out, and a mammoth gilded buckle offers a sculptural twist on a vintage-inspired detail. Get these in sizes 6-10. Promising Zappos reviews: 'I went to an event where I had to stand all night. The shoes were so comfortable, not to mention cute' — Charmagne 'I have 8 different pair of the Brit, the mule this flat is similar to. These flats are padded inside and sooooo comfy. True to size... Sam, make these in a million colors. I'll buy them all!' — Godivagrrl $65 at Tuckernuck (regularly $130) $78 at Zappos (regularly $130) $78 at Bloomingdale's H&M Available in sizes 4-10, these jersey slingback flats are bedecked with dazzling little clusters rhinestones and sequined that give them a pop of flair while still remaining understated and simple. The covered elastic back heel helps the shoe comfortably contour to your foot without putting too much pressure on it, so you can enjoy a blister-free evening. Get these in sizes 4-11. $43 at H&M DSW There's something very French and elegant about the triple-strap Mary Jane design on these Journee flats. Available in medium and wide widths in a range of cute colors, these adorable shoes are designed with an ultra-cushy foam footbed that's designed keep your feet supported and comfortable as you dance the night away or get your steps in. You can shop them in sizes 5.5-12. Promising DSW review: "I bought this shoe in both black and red and was not expecting it to be as comfortable as it is stylish! Perfect shoes to throw on when running errands but also with jeans or long dresses!" — Nonie "These shoes are the perfect go to flat!! They are comfy and cute. I bought them in one color and had to buy another pair. They are true to size and give a touch of cute to any outfit." — MelanTone $50 at DSW (regularly $72) $50 at Zappos $44 at Macy's Zappos These sleek Naturalizer flats are punched up by the presence of a cheerful floppy bow and a sterling hue that make them feel festive enough for a fancy occasion but equally suitable for the office when paired with jeans or a skirt. The sole is engineered to mirror your foot shape for maximum comfort. Promising review: 'These shooes were very comfotable. Thwesides gaped open a little bit like they were a bit too wide (but were medium width) but they felt great. I was trying to match a dress and decided it was not the right shade of purple. But for a long night of standing, you're feet will not hurt.' — Anonymous $130 at Zappos (regularly $145) Amazon Add some sparkle to your feet with these beautiful Elizabet Tang slingback flats. They're designed with soft cushioned soles to support your feet while remaining secure thanks to an adjustable ankle strap. They're available in a range of colors in sizes 6-11. Promising reviews: "This sleek style kicks in an unbelievable fashion statement. These shoes are very comfortable and stylish. I received many compliments. Wish they came in navy blue." — Jackie Johnson "Absolutely beautiful. Wear these shoes to church on Easter. I got so many compliments. Comfortable shoes with a whole lot of style." — Bsongbyrd "Affordable and pretty. Super cute. Wore them for my wedding. Very comfortable." — Krizia Kracker "Because these are so comfortable I'm compelled to write a review. Never had much luck with getting shoes online but read so many reviews about how comfortable and stylish they were, so heck, gave them a folks were right! Wore them first day right out of the box ALL DAY. Was traveling so brought a pair of comfortable flats just in case. Didn't need'em. Not only comfortable but cute too - look good on and made nicely. What a nice surprise." — SJE $40 at Amazon Ssense Call me crazy, but I think these Melissa jelly ballet flats could easily be mistaken for Miu Miu flats. They're made in Melissa's signature semi-transparent PVC material and have a molded pleat detail at the toe and a bow that makes them look like a classic ballet slipper. How fun would these be paired with a super fancy dress? They're playful and cheeky, not to mention comfortable and waterproof. They're available in sizes 5-10 and selling out fast. Promising reviews: "I am over the moon with this shoes!! It's super comfortable! Feels like you're wearing nothing on your feet. Loved it 🥰" — Sheila M. "I've always loved ballet flats and these did not disappoint. I especially love the strap! These are so comfy and easy to put on. They are a jelly like material but more soft and flexible than regular jelly shoes. The sole is very padded and cushy. I usually wear 6.5 in sneakers/boots and got these in a size 6, they're perfect! I also have wide ish feet and don't feel squished" — Yaknowho "These are absolutely gorgeous and super comfortable. So many compliments every time I wear them. I will definitely get another color!" — Carolina C. $55 at Melissa (regularly $79) $79 at Urban Outfitters Nordstrom Made with a cushioned footbed that mirrors the contours of the foot, this sexy slingback has a lovely design and a pop of metal on the heel that gives it a ton of visual interest. It's made with soft leather and comes in three different widths so you can find your perfect fit. It's available in three colors in sizes 5-12. Promising reviews: "These shoes were perfect. I had a conference to attend where I was on my feet for 6 hours a day and walking miles on hard convention center concrete floors. These were extremely comfortable and dressy so they matched my business suits well. I wish they came in more colors." — Sarouche "Finally comfort with style. I have arthritis in the tops of my feet and ankles, it has been quite a journey finding a stylish shoe that comes in a wide width & looks as good as it feels." — Edy KK "I have several events to attend but am recovering from a stress fracture in my foot. I took a chance on these based on the reviews and they did not disappoint. I was on my feet for hours and the shoes remained comfortable. It's the first pointed toe shoe that I've been able to wear. Get them if you can!" — Momof4NY $120 at Nordstrom $100 at Zappos (regularly $130) Zappos If you're looking to invest in a nice designer flat, look no further than these Stuart Weitzman flats. They have a Mary Jane strap embellished with pearls for a flash of understated elegance. They're available in sizes 5.5-10 and are a perfect addition to your fancy flats rotation. Depending on where you shop you can get them in black or nude. Promising reviews: "Extremely comfortable and chic! Goes with so many outfits from casual to dressy, fall to spring!" — Rebecca "Just opened my box with trepidation- getting older with a bunion and a toe that bends awkwardly. My favorite shoe has always been SW but my age shows. I put these on and WOW they are cute AND comfortable!! Comes with extra pearls in case of mishap. Woohoo!! I'm in love! Soft leather and the strap isn't killing me either. Nice to have a flat pair of classy shoes!!" — Purkinje "Bought these for my daughter's wedding as even kitten heels are uncomfortable for me to walk in. These are comfortable and true to size . Dressy enough for a formal outfit . Lucky I got them on sale . Definitely recommend" — Soleil $342 at Zappos (regularly $450) $225 at Nordstrom (regularly $450) $244 at Farfetch (regularly $450) Reformation If you want to add a bit of an edge to your look without feeling like you're in costume, take a look at these studded flats at Reformation. They have a sleek, slim silhouette with a stylish construction that looks effortlessly modern. They're available in sizes 5-11. $268 at Reformation Ssense For a look that is reminiscent of designer brand The Row's beloved sock-like silhouette at a fraction of the price, try out these gorgeous lambskin ballerina flats from A.P.C. They are giving high-fashion drama without being over the top. Ideal for lovers of minimalist fashion, these beauties can easily be dressed up or down and make any outfit look much more expensive than it actually is. They're a available in sizes 35-39 and selling out fast, so snag a pair while you can. $158 at Ssense (regularly $340) Reformation While these beautiful shoes are also available in a foggy blue suede and snakeskin, the glimmering silver hue is perfect for formal events, adding a bit of shimmering oomph to any outfit. They're made with a soft foil metallic leather that is super shiny and has an interesting textured surface. You can get these in sizes 5-11. $268 at Reformation Ssense If you're into something quirky and bold, take a look at these padded ballerina flats from Yume Yume. They have a wraparound tie strap that you can weave up your legs and a fun padded silhouette that gives them an almost cartoon-like look without feeling silly or detracting from formality. If, like me, you love a funky shoe, this is the way to go while preserving the sanctity of your foot comfort. You can get these in Italian sizes 35-41 in black, white or silver. $160 at Ssense (regularly $355) Ssense Add a whole lot of pizzazz to your look with these patent faux-leather flats from Ganni. They have a detachable chain with a logo charm so you can customize your luck, plus eyelets at the bow and ankle strap. It has a very low stacked rubber block heel that gives you just the right amount of height and support. 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"The Boys" season 5 is still filming and is tentatively projected for a 2026 release window. But in the meantime, "The Boys" season 4 is campaigning for Emmy nominations, and it's doing it in a way that is as delightfully demented as the twisted superhero show itself. Titled "Acting for Awards Season," this for your consideration (FYC) video is a parody of "Masterclass" that stars "award-winning" director Adam Bourke (P.J. Byrne), who directed the Vought Studios films "Dawn of the Seven" and 'Training A-Train.' In the video, the (entirely fictional) director lays out his guide to dominating awards season and makes fun of several very real shows along the way. None of these shows are explicitly named, but you can pretty easily spot most of them. First up? "Mare of Easttown," and its "Philadelphia accents," which get attacked at the 0:36 mark. Then it's on to skewering "Bridgerton" and its prolific amount of promiscuous people, while possibly also going after "Shogun" and its use of seppuku. Of course, "Game of Thrones" wasn't going to escape Bourke's razor wit. "Dragons. Cheesy as hell," the director declared, clearly taking aim at "House of the Dragon." "But banging your sister on a dragon? Jackpot!" Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. From there, we go into a brief musing on whether or not the stars of "The Bear" are qualified to speak on political issues like immigration before giving praise to "The Last of Us" season 1 for being "one-eighth gay." This is, of course, a reference to the season 1 episode "Long Long Time," which is possibly the best episode of any show ever. If you've never seen it, or you don't believe me, go watch it on Max right now, then come back and tell me I'm wrong. You won't be able to because, like Bourke in this video, you'll be too busy choking back sobs, having just watched an absolute masterpiece. Finally, "The Boys" took aim at itself, declaring you should "never do a superhero TV show." Granted, it then couldn't resist a parting shot at "Friday Night Lights," but it was still nice to see a moment of self-deprecating humor amongst the deluge of potshots at other acclaimed shows. So, if you haven't become offended to the point of closing out of this article already, or if, like me, you found this unhinged parody to be hysterical, make sure to follow all our latest "The Boys" season 5 coverage to stay up to date with the show's final season. If you haven't already seen the first four seasons, make sure to go check them out on Prime Video right now to make sure you're caught up before season 5 debuts next year. Malcolm has been with Tom's Guide since 2022, and has been covering the latest in streaming shows and movies since 2023. He's not one to shy away from a hot take, including that "John Wick" is one of the four greatest films ever made. Here's what he's been watching lately:
