In a significant casting announcement poised to captivate audiences, Emmy-nominated actress Anna Chlumsky is set to star opposite the acclaimed Leslie Bibb in the upcoming Cold War crime series, “Top of the Rock.” The six-part drama, hailing from Iceland’s premier production company Truenorth, in collaboration with Mystery Productions and Vertu, promises a gripping narrative set against the tense backdrop of 1983, a pivotal year in the Cold War era.
Chlumsky, a six-time Emmy Award nominee celebrated for her indelible portrayal of Amy Brookheimer in HBO’s political satire “Veep,” brings a formidable depth and versatility to the project. Her career, spanning from her breakout role as a child star in “My Girl” to her critically lauded performances in “Halt and Catch Fire” and “Inventing Anna,” has consistently showcased an exceptional range, effortlessly transitioning between comedic brilliance and intense dramatic roles. This innate ability to embody diverse characters makes her a compelling choice for the intricate world of “Top of the Rock.”
Joining Chlumsky is Leslie Bibb, whose recent recognition with an Actor Award nomination for her ensemble work in HBO’s critically acclaimed series “The White Lotus” underscores her growing prominence in prestige television. Bibb, known for her captivating presence across genres, from comedies like “Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby” to dramatic thrillers, is poised to deliver a nuanced performance as Captain Diane Goodman. Her capacity to blend vulnerability with strength will be crucial in portraying a character navigating the moral complexities of military justice and international espionage.
The series plunges viewers into the heart of escalating Cold War paranoia. Set in 1983, a year marked by heightened global tensions — including President Reagan’s “Evil Empire” speech, the downing of Korean Air Lines Flight 007, and massive NATO military exercises like Able Archer 83, which brought the world precariously close to nuclear conflict — “Top of the Rock” finds its narrative footing at the strategically vital NATO base in Keflavík, Iceland. This remote yet critical outpost served as a crucial surveillance and defense hub, making it a hotbed for covert operations and international intrigue.
Bibb’s character, Captain Diane Goodman, a U.S. military police investigator, is stationed at this very base. She is partnered with MP Sarah Ellis, portrayed by Chlumsky, when a seemingly isolated incident — the suspicious death of an American soldier discovered outside the base perimeter — unravels into something far more sinister. The investigation forces Goodman and Ellis into an uneasy alliance with the Icelandic police, a partnership that quickly exposes a sprawling web of espionage, betrayal, and deep-seated political deceit. As they delve deeper, the two women find themselves trapped between the rigid demands of military duty and the delicate intricacies of international diplomacy, facing a race against time to expose the truth before further lives are tragically lost.
The premise of “Top of the Rock” is particularly resonant for a professional women-focused audience, as it places two strong female characters at the forefront of a traditionally male-dominated world of military and espionage. In 1983, female military police investigators would have navigated significant gender-based challenges, requiring resilience, intellect, and an unwavering commitment to justice. The series promises to explore not only the external threats of the Cold War but also the internal struggles and professional hurdles faced by women carving out authority in such a demanding environment.
Behind this ambitious project is a highly esteemed creative team. The series was meticulously crafted by Davíð Óskar Ólafsson, renowned for his work on the critically acclaimed Nordic Noir series “The Valhalla Murders” and “Trom,” and Jón Atli Jónasson, known for “Arctic Circle” and the feature film “The Deep.” Their combined expertise in crafting atmospheric, character-driven crime dramas ensures a compelling narrative foundation. Ragnar Jónsson, another respected voice in Icelandic storytelling with credits including “Black Sands,” serves as a co-creator, further enriching the creative tapestry of the show.
Ólafsson, whose directorial vision shaped “The Valhalla Murders,” will also direct all six parts of “Top of the Rock,” promising a consistent and immersive aesthetic. The intricate screenplay is penned by Jónasson and Óttar M. Norðfjörð, a seasoned writer whose credits include “The Darkness,” “The Valhalla Murders,” and “Reykjavík 112.” This collaboration of seasoned Icelandic talent brings a distinctive Nordic sensibility to the Cold War thriller genre, promising a narrative rich in tension, moral ambiguity, and stark beauty.
Davíð Óskar Ólafsson expressed profound enthusiasm for the casting of the lead roles, remarking, “Early on we knew the role of Sarah Ellis would need to be someone with a formidable screen presence. Anna Chlumsky’s ability to switch between genres is like no other, and she absolutely embodies every character she’s played across her phenomenal career. We’re beyond ecstatic to round out the leads in ‘Top of the Rock’ with two of the most brilliant actors.” This sentiment highlights the creative team’s confidence in Chlumsky’s capacity to deliver a captivating performance and underscores the high caliber of talent assembled for the series.
The production itself is a testament to strong international collaboration. “Top of the Rock” is produced by Kristinn Thordarson, Davíð Óskar Ólafsson, and Ágúst Freyr Ingason. Leifur B. Dagfinnsson, the CEO and founder of Truenorth, serves as an executive producer, guiding the project with his extensive industry experience. The development and financing of the series are spearheaded by Truenorth, Mystery Productions, and Vertu, with key financial and strategic backing from Baradal/Frédéric Pittoors d’Haveskercke and Lumière, signifying a robust network of European partners committed to bringing this story to life.
Further bolstering the series’ pedigree is the involvement of Emmy Award-winning casting director Alexa L. Fogel, who also takes on an executive producer role. Fogel’s illustrious career includes casting for critically acclaimed series such as “True Detective,” “Ozark,” “Smoke,” and “Black Rabbit,” demonstrating an unparalleled eye for talent that has consistently elevated the quality of her projects. Her involvement ensures that every role, from the leads to supporting characters, will be filled by actors who can authentically inhabit the complex world of Cold War Iceland.
Truenorth, the Icelandic production powerhouse, stands as one of Northern Europe’s leading production companies, boasting over two decades of experience. The company has played a pivotal role in establishing Iceland as a world-class filming destination, attracting major studio-backed titles. Their impressive portfolio includes facilitating productions for high-profile projects such as “True Detective” Season 4, “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning,” and Robert Eggers’ epic “The Northman.” “Top of the Rock,” alongside the previously announced series “Fury,” represents Truenorth’s strategic expansion into developing and producing original, internationally focused content, leveraging their deep understanding of global production standards and local storytelling talent.
Iceland itself provides a unique and atmospheric setting for “Top of the Rock.” The country’s dramatic landscapes, often characterized by stark volcanic terrain, glaciers, and remote coastlines, offer a visually stunning and inherently isolated backdrop that perfectly complements the themes of Cold War paranoia and hidden dangers. The Keflavík base, a former U.S. Navy installation, was a critical strategic asset during the Cold War, representing the front line between East and West. Its historical significance and the cultural dynamics between the stationed military personnel and the local Icelandic population add layers of authenticity and potential conflict to the narrative.
The series is expected to delve into the psychological toll of living under constant threat of nuclear war, the moral ambiguities of intelligence gathering, and the personal sacrifices demanded by national security. Chlumsky’s and Bibb’s characters, as military police investigators, will not only be solving a murder but also navigating a treacherous landscape where trust is a luxury and betrayal lurks in every shadow. Their journey promises to be a compelling exploration of duty, conscience, and the human cost of geopolitical strife, presented through a distinctly female lens.
For Anna Chlumsky, “Top of the Rock” marks another intriguing chapter in a career defined by bold choices and powerful performances. She is represented by Liebman Entertainment, CAA, and Schreck Rose Dapello. With a stellar cast, an experienced creative team, and a compelling historical setting, “Top of the Rock” is poised to be a must-watch series, offering a fresh perspective on a familiar historical period and reaffirming the burgeoning strength of Icelandic television production on the global stage.
