Harry Hole season 2 on Netflix: Jo Nesbø reveals plans to adapt Rouge-Gorge, his most intimate novel

The Harry Hole series currently dominates the Netflix rankings in France. Driven by the dark universe of Norwegian writer Jo Nesbø, this adaptation is already raising many questions about a potential season 2. The author himself has revealed which novel he would like to see transposed to the screen.

Immediate success for Harry Hole series on Netflix

For several years now, the streaming platform has been focusing on adaptations of literary thrillers. This strategy began with a long-term partnership with Harlan Coben. It then extended to Scandinavian thrillers, following the works of Viveca Sten and Camilla Läckberg.

Jo Nesbø is the creator of the Harry Hole saga, with 13 volumes published since 1997. A fourteenth novel is scheduled for publication in 2026. The writer himself penned the screenplay for this first series adaptation.

The figures speak for themselves. The series reached number 1 in France as soon as it was released. It also reached second place among non-English-language series worldwide in its first week of release.

“I think for me personally, I’d like to adapt Rouge-Gorge. Probably because it’s a book that’s intimate to me and tells a very different kind of story.”

Jo Nesbø reveals the novel he wishes to adapt

In an interview given a few weeks before the series’ release, Jo Nesbø shared his desires for the sequel. After The Devil’s Star, which served as the basis for the current script, he would like to see Rouge-Gorge brought to the screen.

This personal choice reveals the author’s attachment to this particular story. Rouge-Gorge is a very different kind of story, more intimate in his own words.

• The Harry Hole saga has 13 volumes published since 1997.
• A fourteenth novel is due in 2026
• Jo Nesbø wrote the screenplay for the series
• The Devil’s Star was the basis for Season 1
• Rouge-Gorge is the novel the author wishes to adapt next

Rouge-Gorge: a plot that extends the mysteries of season 1

In publication order, Rouge-Gorge appeared before L’étoile du diable. However, its plot is perfectly in line with the events of the first season. Harry Hole, played by Tobias Santelmann, is transferred to the intelligence service.

The detective then investigates the illegal importation of a sniper’s rifle. This leads him to Norwegian neo-Nazi circles and a mysterious figure nicknamed the Prince.

This story arc ties in directly with the mystery surrounding Tom Waaler, played by Joel Kinnaman in the series. In season 1, we learn that this character is himself the Prince. Season 2 could thus reveal the origins of the secret criminal organization to which he belonged.

A historical dimension for potential season 2

What sets Rouge-Gorge apart is its dual temporal construction. The story follows a group of Norwegian soldiers who collaborate with the Germans between 1942 and 1944. This historical dimension would enrich the series considerably.

At the end of season 1, Agnes seems to be taking over the leadership of the secret criminal organization. An adaptation of Rouge-Gorge would shed light on the roots of this network. Viewers would then be able to understand how this structure has survived the decades.

Netflix confronts the richness of Jo Nesbø’s universe

The platform has a wealth of literary material with which to continue this series. With 13 novels already published and a fourteenth to come, the possibilities for adaptation remain vast. The success of the first season strengthens the chances of an official confirmation.

Jo Nesbø’s involvement in the writing of the screenplay guarantees faithfulness to the spirit of the books. This close collaboration between author and production is a major asset for fans of the saga.

So fans of Scandinavian thrillers have something to look forward to. If Netflix confirms a season 2 based on Rouge-Gorge, the character of Harry Hole would gain in depth. His past and that of his adversaries could finally be brought to light.

• Netflix