Cannes Winner Juho Kuosmanen Casts 'Dream Come True' with Millang and Steen
Juho Kuosmanen, the acclaimed director behind the Cannes-winning film 'Compartment No. 6', is set to captivate audiences once more with his latest project, 'Dream Come True.' This bittersweet comedy, drawing inspiration from a real-life tale, has now completed its casting. The film promises a compelling narrative brought to life by a stellar cast and an international production team, aiming to continue Kuosmanen's tradition of critically successful cinema.
Director Juho Kuosmanen Announces Cast for Bittersweet Comedy 'Dream Come True'
On June 10, 2026, award-winning director Juho Kuosmanen officially unveiled the complete cast for his upcoming feature film, 'Dream Come True.' The highly anticipated movie will star Danish actor Magnus Millang, known for his role in 'Another Round,' alongside veteran performer Paprika Steen, recognized for her work in 'Families Like Ours' and 'Festen.' Joining them is the promising newcomer, Ellen Kihri. The production schedule will see filming commence later this year across the scenic landscapes of Finland, the vibrant cities of Denmark, and the romantic backdrop of France.
The plot centers on Rasmus, a 43-year-old Danish commercial diver whose ordinary life takes an extraordinary turn. While performing his routine underwater tasks, Rasmus stumbles upon a shipwreck containing thousands of untouched bottles of champagne, believed to be the world's oldest drinkable vintage and valued at millions. This discovery presents Rasmus with a golden opportunity to transform his life, having long resided with his daughter under his mother's roof. However, as the narrative unfolds, Rasmus grapples with the realization that some dreams are perhaps better left undisturbed, hinting at the film's tragicomic undertones.
Kuosmanen expressed his lifelong fascination with diving and underwater adventures, a passion he has always hoped to integrate into his filmmaking. He noted that while 'Dream Come True' is inspired by true events, it deviates significantly from historical facts, infusing a distinctive tragicomic style characteristic of his previous works. During the writing process, Kuosmanen envisioned Magnus Millang as the ideal lead for Rasmus. Extensive travels across Denmark, particularly Jutland, influenced the film's setting. The region's harbors, fishing boats, and rugged coastlines are deemed perfect for an adventure story about a diver from a small village with grand aspirations.
Kuosmanen's prior films have garnered significant international acclaim. 'Compartment No. 6' secured the Grand Prix at the 2021 Cannes Competition and was distributed internationally by Sony Pictures Classics, later making the shortlist for Best International Feature Film at the 94th Academy Awards. His debut feature, 'The Happiest Day in the Life of Olli Mäki' (2016), won the Cannes Un Certain Regard Prize, the Zurich Film Festival's Golden Eye, and a Gold Hugo at the Chicago International Film Festival, with MUBI handling its U.S. and U.K. distribution. Earlier, 'The Painting Sellers' (2010) earned the top prize at the Cannes Cinéfondation.
'Dream Come True' is a collaborative production effort, led by Katrin Pors from Denmark's Snowglobe and Jussi Rantamäki, Kuosmanen's long-standing partner from Finland's Aamu Film Company. Co-production partners include Germany's One Two Films, the U.K.'s Portobello Productions, and Sweden's Kjellson & Wik. The film has received substantial financial backing from various organizations, including the Danish Film Institute, the Finnish Film Foundation, and the Nordic Film and TV Fund, alongside support from multiple broadcasting entities and Creative Europe Media.
This announcement underscores the director's unique vision and ability to weave engaging narratives that resonate with global audiences. The blend of a compelling storyline, a talented cast, and experienced production teams suggests that 'Dream Come True' is poised to be another significant achievement in Kuosmanen's distinguished career, offering a fresh perspective on the pursuit of dreams and the unexpected paths they can take.
