14-05-2025
Skin Care Pioneer Ole Henriksen Announces ‘The Glowing Man' Biopic in Cannes
CANNES, France — Skin care guru Ole Henriksen is readying for a closeup of his life.
The Danish businessman, self-help author and TV personality is prepping to go into production on a biopic titled 'The Glowing Man,' backed by executive producer Niels Juul with a screenplay written by British author James Wyllie.
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Juul, former managing director of Von Dutch and chief executive officer of Hot Tuna, moved into film in 2008. Since then he's been behind a series of Martin Scorsese projects, including 'Silence,' 'The Irishman' and 'Killers of the Flower Moon.' He also worked on Michael Mann's 'Ferrari,' starring Adam Driver and Penélope Cruz under his No Fat Ego banner.
The Henriksen project was launched at a splashy boat party in the Cannes harbor where the trio discussed the project.
'He is an icon, a hero. He is humble. People think he's a jumping clown with a skin care [brand], but this man has done more for gay rights than you could possibly imagine,' Juul said. 'There's a story here you want to watch.'
Henriksen relayed a story of his battle with U.S. immigration authorities for legal status to remain as an openly gay man at a time when it was illegal. Homosexual orientation was categorized as 'psychopathic personality' and grounds for deportation from 1967 to 1990.
Henriksen added that this story is in the script, in which he details the fight and psychological examinations he had to undergo before the law was overturned.
Still, the film will not be a drama. Instead, the team framed it as an ebullient film with musical touches and a strong soundtrack featuring songs from gay icons of the times, including Diana Ross and David Bowie — both of whom became personal pals and clients of Henriksen.
'This is really a movie that's about inspiring the audience to also go out there and fulfill their dreams to express yourself the way you need to express yourself. Be proud of the person you are. Keep your head high, have fun, laugh. Have a sense of humor about yourself,' he said of the film's anticipated 'feel good' vibe.
'The truth is, we're gonna pick as many songs as we can afford,' joked Juul. The film will also include the original song 'Dope' by Danish duo Puls, on which Henriksen was featured. The song became a hit in his native Denmark in 2011.
The team also hopes to enlist some of his famous friends such as Sylvester Stallone and Cher for cameos.
Henriksen's brand was acquired by LVMH's Kendo beauty division in 2011. Juul said the project has the full support of the group.
'We work with them, very actively. [They are] incredibly supportive, providing us with the skin care, making sure that all is respected,' he told WWD. He will look at marketing options with the group. 'If there is anything we can do to do co-branding, co-marketing with Sephora, absolutely we will.'
Henriksen said that working with Kendo has allowed him freedom to develop his product and personality. 'What's great about LVMH is they are brilliant at highlighting the DNA of each and every brand they own. They want to bring that to life. They want to give you bigger biceps, muscles to grow, and they never step in and say, 'We have to change,'' he said.
However, both were clear that the film will be a true biopic and not an ad.
'How do you work with a brand? Well, you do that carefully…I would like LVMH to be happy,' he said. 'Because why can't a brand tell a story without it being a commercial? If the story is good, there's no reason why we cannot work with LVMH.'
Juul added that coming from a fashion business background, he understands the concerns that brands can have around a film.
He said that the movie is not currently being financed by LVMH or its 22 Montaigne film division, but that when the script is finalized with talent attached, that topic may be revisited.
'I cannot sell a movie in the current marketplace as drama. Forget about it. If I want to do a $10 million movie, forget it. The algorithms are going to tell you, go f–k yourself, give me Kate Winslet,' Juul said on the need for star power.
Juul is in the process of casting and has a specific A-list actor on his radar, but the project is due to be shot 30 percent in Danish and 70 percent in English. Ensuring that the actor can learn some Danish is a key criterion for the role.
The script is nearly finished, Juul said, and the film is expected to go into production this fall. The team is currently in talks with Danish production company Nordisk Film.
Juul added that he misses the fast pace of the fashion industry and working on seasonal collections. 'I gotta be honest with you, I like the movie business, but I miss product,' he said. 'I love fashion.'
The executive said he is also working on a project with the Valentino brand, as well as Adidas, which will be announced later this week in Cannes.
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