The furry and mysterious figure from the long-running "Sommarlov" in SVT continues to fascinate, especially the younger audience. Every year, a new personality dons the over two-meter-high costume and is revealed towards the end of the summer.
Secrecy
Joel Adolphson says he is very honored by the assignment.
It's the mystery that's the fun part. And to be part of this tradition that is so fantastically fine, and which so many children follow. It's a long tradition too and we have a generational shift. Soon we will probably have parents who, when they themselves were children, saw shadows come and go, says Joel Adolphson to TT.
He is at the same time relieved to be able to step out of the costume after the long secrecy.
Being in the costume requires that you can handle high carbon dioxide levels and acclimatize your body so that it can survive on about ten percent oxygen.
Hard to keep quiet
The mystery is crucial and keeping the secret unrevealed until the very end is handled almost like a state secret. There have been a few occasions when he was close to revealing himself.
I like to talk, he notes.
Used to improvising, he has always found himself in the moment and come up with credible excuses, for all the questions that have arisen. Such as that he would go to the dentist instead of making a recording as Sommarskuggan, for example.
The role interpretation has meant a balancing act.
It's about being mysterious but not too frightening. You don't want to traumatize the poor children, says Joel Adolphson.
Corrected: In an earlier version of the text, it was stated that Sommarskuggan was revealed in the last episode of "Sommarlov", but the last episode is broadcast later.
2024: YouTuber Tomu (Tom Karlsson).
2023: Program leader Alexander Hermansson
2022: Artist Tusse (Toussaint Chiza)
2021: Actress Marianne Mörck
2020: Program leader David Sundin
2019: Country singer Hasse "Kvinnaböske" Andersson
2018: Actress Caroline Hermansson
2017: Program leader Malin Olsson
Source: SVT
Sommarskuggan is a TV character who is part of the children's program "Sommarlov". Screenwriter Tina Mackic is co-creator of the villainous character.
In each season, a new secret person has worn the costume. Figuring out and revealing who is this year's Sommarskugga is designed as a mystery for the viewers.
Sommarskuggan first appeared in 2016, and the following year the first series was broadcast. Sommarskuggan became so popular that it has also resulted in several children's books.
Sources: SVT and others.
