Danish filmmaker Lars von Trier, now sixty-six, is reportedly living with Parkinson’s disease, according to Zentropa, the production company he established and has long been associated with throughout his career in cinema and television. The word from Zentropa emphasizes that von Trier remains in good spirits and is receiving treatment to manage his symptoms, while work on the project at hand continues as planned to complete Riget Exodus. The update aims to provide transparency about the director’s health as the team presses forward with the series.
Riget Exodus expands the saga that began in the 1990s with Riget, known in English as Kingdom, a project that has enjoyed enduring popularity in Denmark and drew attention at major film circles such as the Venice Film Festival during its run. The new installment promises to deepen the unsettling atmosphere and intricate storytelling that fans have come to expect from this Danish television landmark. Zentropa has indicated that von Trier will participate in interviews only in a limited fashion as the premiere approaches, a decision made in light of his current health circumstances and to avoid speculation about his condition before audiences see the premiere.
As a co-founder of the Dogma movement, von Trier has long been recognized as a leading voice in European cinema, cultivating a thirty-year legacy that includes titles such as Crossing the Waves, Dancing in the Dark, Dogville, Antichrist, and Melancholia. His creative approach and distinctive vision have left a lasting imprint on modern film and television, earning him respect across continents, including in North America where Canadian and American audiences have followed his work for decades. Despite the illness, the production team stresses that Riget Exodus remains a collaborative effort, with colleagues and collaborators continuing to refine the series’ narrative, visual style, and pacing for a wide international viewership. The news surrounding his health is presented with care to prevent speculation and to maintain momentum for the premiere, allowing fans in Canada, the United States, and beyond to anticipate the next chapter in this iconic Danish saga.