Magnus Martens

Image of Magnus Martens

Biography

Norwegian screenwriter and director Magnus Martens (b. 1973) is internationally recognized for his ability to deliver stylish and violent action while remaining staggeringly entertaining and savagely funny. He made his feature breakthrough with the slick comedy thriller Jackpot (2011) which he wrote and directed based on a Jo Nesbø story. Selected for the Tribeca Film Festival, the critics described Jackpot as bloody and brilliant, and applauded Martens’ deliciously dark style, favorably comparing him to Tarantino and the Coen brothers.

Following his international breakthrough with Jackpot, Martens has directed multiple episodes for some of the biggest TV shows in the US, including Banshee, 12 Monkeys, Power, Marvel’s Luke Cage, Good Behavior, Longmire, Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Will and Fear the Walking Dead. Most recently he directed the first two episodes of the anticipated The Walking Dead: World Beyond which premiered in October 2020.

Martens’ latest film, the explosive action thriller SAS: Red Notice, starring Sam Heughan, Ruby Rose and Tom Wilkinson, premiered in March 2021 in the UK and US. In August 2021 SAS: Red Notice was released on Netflix. Furthermore, Martens is director of Furia, an original drama series created by Emmy-winner Gjermund Stenberg Eriksen, which premiered on Viaplay in September 2021.

Timeline

2023

  • Poster for There's Something in the Barn

    Director

2021

  • Poster for SAS: Red Notice

    Director

2011

  • Poster for Jackpot

    Writer

2006

  • Poster for Svein and the Rat

    Director

2003

  • Poster for United

    Writer

2002

  • Poster for Most People Live in China

    Director

1999

1997

Year unknown