Actors of Tomorrow: Calmroth and Fandango are the new Ponti and Silverhielm

Jan Guillou's Swedish literary classic Ondskan (Evil) is now being created in series format on Sweden’s TV4 Play. In the series, we meet swimmer Erik Ponti, portrayed by Isac Calmroth. By his side in the series, his archenemy Otto Silverhielm, portrayed by newfound friend Christian Fandango. For those who have read the book (1981) or seen the film (2003), you recognise Ponti wearing a classic leather jacket in a true 50s style. However, what does Calmroth and Fandango's own clothing styles actually look like? We catch up with the cast for an exclusive interview about the series, friendship, style of clothing and how to succeed as young creators in a tough industry.

Text: camilla åsedal
photo: patrik hagborg

Published 2023-10-31

It's Friday, around lunchtime, Christian Fandango and Isac Calmroth are sitting at home in Fandango's kitchen with a cup of coffee. The fact that it's Friday does not seem to matter - they are busy focusing on their new production company. Fandango and Calmroth have not really known each other that long. They met during auditions for the series and have since spent endless hours in each other's company, capping off various Zoolander impersonations and planning upcoming film productions.

"I was like a whale without fins"

During the filming in Lithuania, the production team entered a so-called "Evil bubble" filled with community and friendships. In order not to be affected by the previous acting efforts of Andreas Wilson and Gustaf Skarsgård, both Fandango and Calmroth choose not to rewatch the film before filming, but instead delve into Fredrik T Olsson's script and the book, on which the series is primarily based. Isac Calmroth devoted himself to swimming every day for three months to prepare himself physically for the role of competitive swimmer Ponti.

- I was like a whale without fins, Isac Calmroths laughs. It is not worthy to play Ponti without being able to front crawl.

Swimming also calmed the nervousness and inevitable creative anxiety. In addition to swimming as an anxiety reliever, Calmroth also mentions that reading philosophical works can alleviate anxiety. However, they are both careful not to be seen as the stereotypical "difficult" actor. However, there is no risk – Calmroth and Fandango exude positive energy and laugh at the paradox of reading Kierkegaard but at the same time wanting to appear unpretentious.

Isac Calmroth stars as Erik Ponti and Christian Fandango plays Otto Silverhielm.

50’s inspired style

The series takes place at the strict boarding school Stjärnsberg where the clothes consist of the traditional school uniform, featuring ties and suits. Silverhielm's and Ponti's private outfits differ - while Ponti wears his classic black leather jacket and jeans, Silverhielm wears a much more dressed-down style.

- Isac (Ponti) is the Vandal from Vasa. My character (Silverhielm) had never dressed like that. It is more stylish there. Long coats and a father who drives a Rolls Royce, says Christian Fandango.

According to Isac Calmroth, you can even say that Erik Ponti stole his look from him. Their own clothing style is influenced by fifties classics such as a tucked-in white t-shirt in true James Dean and Marlon Brandoanda style. However, Isac Calmroth has also been influenced by his father's clothing style.

- Dad was always stylish and cool. He dressed in a black t-shirt, jacket and a pair of jeans. That is how I want to dress, says Calmroth.

A dream to continue developing through their production company Triangledrama

Fandango and Calmroth are not only seen in front of the camera, but also behind the scenes as creative innovators in their newly started production company Triangledrama. They want to create artistic and qualitative film that comment on the present-day and makes you think, which at the same time reaches out in the media and is easily accessible. The sense of community that was born during the "Evil bubble" is something they hope to get more of through their company.

- The synergy is the coolest, says Christian Fandango, referring to the creative process of creating together, developing an idea, and acting. At the same time getting to work with what you are passionate about.

With Triangledrama, they want to develop and gain experience in the film industry, while being a voice for young people. Along with upcoming acting efforts, they continue to create creative ideas in various co-productions, and they promise that we will soon get to see future productions.

- Maybe everything goes to hell, Isac Calmroth laughs and humbly shrugs his shoulders.

What tips do you have for the readers, to dare to live their dream?

- Dare to take the step and do what you want without being ashamed. The scariest thing I have done is signing up for a course at Calle Flygare, which I did secretly because I was ashamed, says Isac Calmroth.

- What I am most afraid of – that is what I'm going to do. It also helps to dare to say it aloud, "my name is Christian and I'm an actor".

The series Ondskan is shown on Sweden’s TV4 Play from November 2nd.