Cast and Crew of The Kingdom

The Kingdom

Riget

"The Kingdom,” known as “Riget” in its native Denmark, presents a chilling yet fascinating exploration of life within the neurosurgical ward of Copenhagen's esteemed Rigshospitalet, the national hospital. This ward is not just a place for healing; it becomes a nexus for strange occurrences and eerie encounters, where the lines between the medical and the supernatural blur dramatically. With a rich tapestry of characters including Ernst-Hugo Järegård as Stig Helmer, a quirky yet intriguing physician, and Kirsten Rolffes portraying Sigrid Drusse, a mentally disturbed but insightful patient, the series invites viewers into a world filled with tension, mystery, and psychological depth.

As the staff navigates their everyday responsibilities, they unintentionally become embroiled in a series of unsettling events. Patients report visions of the deceased, odd sounds echo through the hallways, and inexplicable occurrences plague the usually sterile environment. The neurosurgical ward, while dedicated to the miracles of medicine, serves as a backdrop for fantastical elements that challenge the very fabric of reality. Each character's personal struggles and interactions with these haunting phenomena add complexity to the storytelling, providing insights into human nature, fear, and the unknown.

Ultimately, 'The Kingdom' acts as both a horror series and a darkly comedic reflection on the human condition. It thrives on the duality of its setting—where the prestigious hospital houses not only advanced medical knowledge but also the weight of haunted histories and unexplainable events. As the characters react to their bizarre encounters, the audience is left to ponder the implications of life and death, sanity and madness, and the thin veil that separates our understanding of reality from the supernatural truths that may lurk just beyond our perception."

Main Cast of The Kingdom

Ernst-Hugo Järegård as Stig Helmer

Ernst-Hugo Järegård

Stig Helmer
Kirsten Rolffes as Sigrid Drusse

Kirsten Rolffes

Sigrid Drusse
Holger Juul Hansen as Einar Moesgaard

Holger Juul Hansen

Einar Moesgaard
Søren Pilmark as Jørgen Krogshøj

Søren Pilmark

Jørgen Krogshøj
Søren Pilmark delivers a riveting performance as Jørgen Krogshøj in the Danish miniseries-turned-film 'The Kingdom' (Danish: 'Riget'), directed by Lars von Trier. As the overconfident and somewhat sleazy neurosurgeon, Pilmark brings a complex and compelling energy to the screen. His portrayal of Krogshøj is characterized by an arrogant swagger and a caustic wit, which often puts him at odds with the other staff members at the haunted Copenhagen hospital that serves as the series' eerie backdrop. Pilmark's ability to oscillate between the character's comedic moments and his darker, more desperate instances of vulnerability adds a layers of depth to Krogshøj. His performance is a highlight of the series, as he navigates the supernatural occurrences and personal tribulations with a mix of fear, denial, and a relentless drive to maintain his reputation and authority. Søren Pilmark's Jørgen Krogshøj is a memorable figure, embodying the perfect blend of charisma and repugnance that keeps viewers both captivated and repelled.
Ghita Nørby as Rigmor Mortensen

Ghita Nørby

Rigmor Mortensen
Ghita Nørby delivers a captivating performance as Rigmor Mortensen in Lars von Trier's psychological horror series "The Kingdom." As the determined and pragmatic leader of the hospital's board, Nørby brings a sense of gravitas and complexity to the role. Her portrayal of Rigmor is one of composure and hidden depths, expertly navigating the character's duality as both a compassionate advocate for the hospital's well-being and a stoic figure entangled in the supernatural mysteries that pervade the institution. Nørby's performance is nuanced, conveying Rigmor's internal struggle between maintaining order in the face of chaos and confronting the dark secrets that lie within the hospital's walls. Her measured screen presence and subtle emotional shifts lend an air of authenticity to the eerie narrative, making Rigmor a memorable and pivotal character in the series.
Jens Okking as Bulder Harly Drusse

Jens Okking

Bulder Harly Drusse
Otto Brandenburg as Hansen

Otto Brandenburg

Hansen

Secondary Cast of The Kingdom

Michael Simpson

Dyrepasser , Dyrepasser i dyrelaboratoriet

Annette Ketscher

Sygeplejeske

Müslie

Bongo

Lene Vedsegård

Gynækolog (uncredited)

Crew of The Kingdom

Full backstage crew list →