WestEnd packs punch with Hardwicke, Rapace's Knockout

WestEnd Films has boarded Catherine Hardwicke’s love story Knockout, starring Noomi Rapace and Ola Rapace.

The 1960s-set Knockout tells the story of the whirlwind love affair between iconic Swedish singer Anita Lindblom and boxing champion Bo “Bosse” Högberg. Principal photography is slated to begin early next year and WestEnd is introducing the project to buyers here at the AFM.

The English-language feature is scripted by Peter Birro (We Can Be Heroes) and Hardwicke and produced by Fredrik Malmberg of Paradox Entertainment (Let Me In), Malte Forssell (David Fincher’s The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo) and Helena Danielsson and Maria Dahlin of Hepp Film (Beyond).

John Ptak (Let Me In, The Way Back), Daniel Wagner and Gudrun Giddings (Flypaper) executive produce, in collaboration with Nordisk Film, who are financing and handle Scandinavian distribution.

The husband and wife duo of Noomi and Ola Rapace also teamed last year on Pernilla August’s award-winning Beyond.