Animated Epic ‘ViQueens’ Sets Sail for AFM with Rita Ora and Ella Purnell on Deck

ViQueens, the new CG-animated feature from director Harald Zwart (The Karate Kid, The 12th Man, Agent Cody Banks) marks the hitmaker’s big splash entry into animation. Global sales are being handled by Sola Media, who will be unveiling an exclusive teaser during the American Film Market. Delivery is expected in the last quarter of 2026, with a home territory release slated for December 26, 2026.

The film, produced by Veslemoey Ruud Zwart,  features a star-studded voice cast including Ella Purnell (Arcane, Fallout, Yellowjackets) and Rita Ora (Pokémon: Detective Pikachu, Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight). The film features an original score by Emmy and Annie Award-winning composer Christophe Beck (Frozen and Frozen II).

“As a Norwegian, I was often urged to make a Viking film,” says 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.”

Synopsis: ViQueens is a high-energy adventure-comedy that 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.

Additional cast include Steve Speirs as King Erik, Anton Lesser as the scheming brother Lars, and Alan Carr as the Bard, a lyrically-challenged royal scribe.

With nearly $600 million in global box office to his name, Harald Zwart brings his storytelling style to a whole new audience. ViQueens is produced by Veslemoey Zwart of Zwart Arbeid (The 12th Man, Troll, 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, Billionaires Island), Andrew Williams of Vamonos and Solveig Langeland of Sola Media.

“ViQueens delivers exactly the kind of striking storytelling we’re passionate about championing,” notes 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.”