Manchester City striker Erling Haaland will make his feature-film acting debut by voicing a Viking character in the animated movie "Viqueens" [1].

The casting marks a crossover between global sports and cinema, leveraging Haaland's international profile to promote a production rooted in Norwegian heritage. By transitioning from the pitch to the recording booth, the striker expands his brand into the entertainment industry.

Directed by Norwegian-Dutch filmmaker Harald Zwart, "Viqueens" is an adventure-comedy that follows Viking characters as they travel from Norway to China [1, 3]. The production aims to blend historical themes with comedic elements for a wide audience.

Zwart said Haaland is "powerful, fearless and uniquely Norwegian," which made him a natural fit for the role of a Viking warrior [1]. The director's choice aligns the athlete's physical presence and nationality with the character's archetype.

Haaland's involvement is described as on-the-nose casting given his stature and origins [2]. While the striker is primarily known for his goals in the Premier League, this project represents his first formal entry into the film industry [3].

The film is slated for release later in 2026 [1, 2]. Production details suggest the project will emphasize the journey of the characters across diverse landscapes, connecting Northern Europe with East Asia.

This is the first time the Norwegian athlete has taken on a voice-acting role for a major motion picture. The announcement comes as sports stars increasingly diversify their portfolios through media ventures and digital content creation.

“"powerful, fearless and uniquely Norwegian"”

This move reflects a growing trend of 'celebrity casting' where global sports icons are used to anchor animated projects to ensure international marketability. By casting Haaland in a role that mirrors his own cultural identity, the producers are targeting both sports fans and families, potentially increasing the film's reach in Norway and across the global football community.