Alexander Payne to Direct First Non-English, Europe-Set Film “Somewhere Out There”

Alexander Payne has rounded out the cast for Somewhere Out There, his third feature with Searchlight Pictures and his first film shot in Europe.

The Danish-language comedy-drama stars Jacob Haugaard, Jacob Lohmann, Ole Sørensen and Lane Lind, joining previously announced Oscar nominee Renate Reinsve. The project marks a significant first for the two-time Oscar-winning filmmaker, who is directing outside the U.S. for the first time and working in a non-English language.

Set in a small provincial town in western Denmark, Somewhere Out There centers on Lars (Haugaard) and Klaus (Sørensen), longtime friends whose bond fractures late in life, forcing both men to confront unresolved tensions and changing identities. The screenplay was written by Erlend Loe, based on an original idea by Åke Sandgren.

Production is set to begin next month, with Birgitte Skov producing for Scanbox Productions. Searchlight Pictures will handle worldwide distribution outside the Nordic territories, where Scanbox will release the film.

Payne praised the local talent assembled for the project, citing the depth of Denmark’s acting community and the work of casting director Djamila Hansen in shaping what he described as a standout ensemble.

Haugaard, who leads the film as Lars, is a well-known figure in Danish popular culture, having starred in the hit comedy films The Jut-Nuts and The Jut-Nuts III, as well as appearing in long-running commercial campaigns. In a notable turn outside entertainment, he was elected to the Danish Parliament in the 1990s following an unconventional campaign.

Sørensen portrays Klaus and is best known for The Sunfish and his collaborations with filmmaker Frelle Petersen, including Forever and Home Sweet Home. Lohmann plays Lars’ son, Benny, following roles in That Time of Year, Shorta, Fathers and Mothers and the recent series Dynastiet Mærsk. Reinsve appears as Ingrid, Lars’ daughter-in-law, continuing her rise following Cannes and Oscar recognition for her work with Joachim Trier.

Somewhere Out There represents a notable expansion for Payne as he explores new cultural and linguistic territory while maintaining his character-driven storytelling roots.