Adam Price, the creator of the acclaimed Danish political drama Borgen, has expressed concern over how modern political events, particularly U.S. President Donald Trump’s remarks about acquiring Greenland, have blurred the lines between fiction and reality.
Trump’s suggestion of using military or economic means to control Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark, stunned many, including Price. The writer noted that such developments have made crafting political fiction more challenging, as real-world events now rival the most outlandish plotlines.
“When reality itself becomes absurd, as we’ve seen with Greenland and Trump’s demands, it becomes difficult to write compelling political fiction,” Price said. “If I had pitched this scenario as a new season of Borgen five or ten years ago, most people would have dismissed it as completely unrealistic.”
Price, 57, worries that what was once considered extreme or outlandish in politics is increasingly becoming normalized. His concerns align with broader discussions about political discourse and how global affairs have taken unexpected turns in recent years.
Ironically, the latest season of Borgen, released in 2022, anticipated the growing international interest in Greenland. The show’s storyline centered on a major oil discovery on the Arctic island, leading to a geopolitical power struggle between Denmark, Russia, China, and the United States. Now, Trump’s comments have once again thrust Greenland into the global spotlight, reigniting discussions about its relationship with Denmark and the potential for independence.
First aired in 2010, Borgen—named after Denmark’s parliament, which is colloquially referred to as “the fortress”—follows the rise of Denmark’s first female prime minister. The series is known for its sharp political storytelling, mirroring real-world governance challenges.
As for future seasons, Price has suggested that one possible direction could be making the European Union more engaging for audiences. “Many viewers find the EU difficult to grasp, but the challenge is to bring out the emotional and dramatic elements,” he explained. “Politics that may seem cold on the surface need to be framed around topics that are truly explosive and deeply human.”
As political landscapes continue to evolve unpredictably, Price remains committed to storytelling that reflects both the complexity and absurdity of modern governance.
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