"Super-Charlie", which has its cinema premiere on Christmas Day, is an animated adventure film for the whole family. The film is directed by Guldbagge-nominated Jon Holmberg and is based on Camilla Läckberg's books of the same name.
Sold in her son
The story of Super-Charlie, a baby with superhero powers, came about when Camilla Läckberg's son Charlie was newborn. He had four older siblings who competed for attention, and Läckberg realized she needed to "sell in" the new family member.
I presented him as a superhero baby who maybe looked dull during the day when he pooped and cried, but who was out having adventures at night, she says.
After six months of successful white superhero lies, where even the siblings' friends were amazed by the new baby's secret powers, Läckberg realized the story should be told to a wider audience.
I just thought: "But wait, this is a really good children's book", she says.
The inspiration for Super-Charlie, Charlie Läckberg, is today 15 years old. When he was old enough to understand that the books were about him, he happily told everyone and often introduced himself with a: "Hi, I'm Super-Charlie".
It has never felt embarrassing or so, it's just fun that so many like the books. And with the early books, I was often involved and decided, like what color the book should have or gave some input on ideas, says Charlie Läckberg.
Right timing
That the books would eventually become a film has always been part of Camilla Läckberg's long-term plan, and it's now that the timing feels right, she thinks:
It would have been too early to make a film after just two books – now he's an established children's book character that many know. I hope and believe that both children and adults will think it's fun.
In the spring, it's also the premiere of "Läckbergs", a reality series that follows the family. When this interview is conducted, the family is just getting used to having cameras around them all the time.
It just feels fun. They're just hanging in the background, so you just go on as usual, says Charlie Läckberg.
Plot: 10-year-old Wille has always dreamed of becoming a superhero and fighting crime with his dad, who is a police officer. But when his little brother is born, his dream is crushed – Charlie not only gets all the attention, he also has superpowers.
When a supervillain and a scientist carry out an evil plan, the two brothers put their differences aside to save the city together.
Director: Jon Holmberg.
Swedish voices: Tuva Novotny, Ulla Skoog, Orlando Wahlsteen, and others.
Premiere: December 25, 2024.
