Norwegian Actor Embraces British Charm in Austen Adaptation

Norwegian actor Herbert Nordrum has taken on his first English-language role, playing Colonel Brandon in a new adaptation of Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility, which was released in U.S. theaters on October 16, 2026. He described feeling like a new player on the English national football team, surrounded by talented British cast members. Nordrum's involvement likely stemmed from director Georgia Oakley seeing him in Joachim Trier's "The Worst Person in the World."

Nordrum found inspiration for his portrayal of the gentle Colonel Brandon by focusing on the character's internal emotional depth rather than imitating previous iconic performances, such as Alan Rickman's. While "Sense and Sensibility" is not a prominent part of Norwegian culture, Nordrum has a personal connection through Ang Lee's 1995 film, a favorite of his mother's. He chose to avoid rewatching the 1995 version to ensure a grounded and personal interpretation.

The actor related to Brandon's struggle with overwhelming emotions and the difficulty of expressing them, drawing parallels to his own experiences. He also praised his co-star Esmé Creed-Miles, whose vibrant energy helped build chemistry. Nordrum found the production to be an intimate experience focused on love and sisterhood, despite the pressure of adapting a beloved classic.