Directed by Harald Zwart (‘The Karate Kid,’ ‘Agent Cody Banks’) the 3DCG comedy adventure about 2 fearless Viking girls returning a stowaway boy to China is set to release in late 2026; teaser to be unveiled by Sola Media at AFM.
Ella Purnell and Rita Ora are set to star in the all-new 3DCG animated feature, ViQueens, from director Harald Zwart, known for The Karate Kid, The 12th Man and Agent Cody Banks. The comedy adventure marks the director’s first animated project; produced by Veslemøy Zwart, it features the voices of Purnell (Arcane, Fallout, Yellowjackets) and Ora (Pokémon: Detective Pikachu, Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight). Additional cast includes Steve Speirs as King Erik, Anton Lesser as the scheming brother Lars, and Alan Carr as the Bard, a lyrically-challenged royal scribe.
Global sales are being handled by Sola Media, who will be unveiling an exclusive teaser during the AFM market. The film’s delivery is expected in the last quarter of 2026, with a home entertainment release slated for December 26, 2026.
ViQueens follows two fearless Viking girls, Ingrid (Purnell) and Hedvig (Ora), as they defy tradition to return a stowaway boy to China. Their journey spans icy fjords, Byzantine intrigue, and the fabled Silk Road - blending Viking grit with ancient Chinese wisdom, unexpected alliances, and a touch of magic.
The film features an original score by renowned composer Christophe Beck, known for his music on Frozen and Frozen II.
It is produced by Veslemøy Zwart of Zwart Arbeid (The 12th Man, Troll, and The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones), with executive producers Torgeir Sanders of Gimpville (Troll, Troll Hunter), Robert Chandler of Space Age Films (The Amazing Maurice, The Canterville Ghost), Peter Clausen of OPCM (Lilyhammer, Jo Nesbø’s Harry Hole, Troll and Billionaires Island), Andrew Williams of Vamonos and Solveig Langeland of Sola Media.
“As a Norwegian, I was often urged to make a Viking film,” says Harald Zwart. “But the usual dark, violent portrayals never appealed to me. When Veslemøy brought me the idea for ViQueens, it offered a fresh perspective - a story about how Norway, once feared, is now best known for awarding the Nobel Peace Prize. That transformation, imagined through the journey of two brave young girls, completely captivated me. It was the Viking story I had been waiting to tell.”
“ViQueens delivers exactly the kind of striking storytelling we’re passionate about championing,” adds Solveig Langeland, Managing Director of Sola Media. “It’s fresh, fun and emotionally resonant - with rich visuals, cross-cultural themes and a world-class team behind it. This is the kind of film that will travel widely.”
Source: Zwart Arbeid
Dan Sarto is Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Animation World Network.
