The Traitor Within: Unmasking Henry Rinnan, Norway’s Notorious Gestapo Agent

A latest four-part thriller, “The Traitor Within,” is set to debut at Series Mania Buyers Upfront on March 23, 2026, offering a chilling portrayal of Norway’s most infamous Nazi collaborator, Henry Rinnan, and the desperate mission to eliminate him. The series delves into the moral complexities of World War II, exploring the choices of two young men caught in the crossfire of Nazi-occupied Norway.

From Salesman to Agent Lola: The Rise of a Traitor

Henry Oliver Rinnan, seemingly an ordinary family man and unremarkable salesman, rose to turn into the Gestapo’s most valuable Norwegian agent. Operating under the codename Agent Lola, Rinnan infiltrated and systematically dismantled the Norwegian resistance movement through deception, sabotage, torture, and murder. Rinnan led a group known as Sonderabteilung Lola, or “Rinnanbanden,” which comprised approximately fifty members, including Ivar and Kitty Grande.

A Parallel Struggle: The Resistance Fighter

While Rinnan worked to destroy the resistance from within, Odd Sørli emerged as a key figure in the fight against the Nazi occupation. Coordinating with British intelligence, Sørli rose through the ranks and was ultimately tasked with a single, deadly mission: assassinate Henry Rinnan. The series charts the ensuing relentless cat-and-mouse game across borders and hidden networks, fueled by lies, betrayal, and shifting allegiances.

Bringing the Story to Life: Cast and Crew

The series stars Axel Bøyum as Henry Rinnan, building on his acclaimed performance that earned him Norway’s best actor Gullruten Award for his role in “Heimebane.” Odin Waage (“Wisting,” “Eyewitness”) portrays Odd Sørli. “The Traitor Within” is directed by Kenneth Karstad (“Kids in Crime,” “The Hunger”), with a screenplay penned by Øyvind Holtmon and Eirik M. Holsve. Kristen Ulseth and Are Heidenstrøm serve as producers for Miso Film Norway.

A Distinct Approach to WWII Storytelling

Producers at Miso Film Norway emphasize the importance of offering a fresh perspective on WWII narratives. “There’s a strong fascination today with real events and real people, and we tap into that by telling true, untold stories that experience urgent and relevant now,” Kristen Ulseth told Variety. The series deliberately avoids the traditional focus on heroism, instead choosing to examine moral ambiguity and the choices made by ordinary people in extreme circumstances, a theme particularly resonant given the current geopolitical climate.

Authenticity and Historical Accuracy

The production team prioritized historical accuracy, covering a seven-year period and blending archival footage with newly filmed scenes. Karstad aimed for a raw and intimate portrayal of Rinnan, recognizing the potency of the story even decades later. He described Rinnan as a man with “extremely good memory and social skills, perfect for a spy,” whose ambition and pride were exploited by the Nazi regime.

International Appeal and Production Details

“The Traitor Within” is a co-production between Miso Film Norway, Prime Video, and TV2 Norway. It is produced with the support of the Norwegian Film Institute (NFI), Filminvest, Frøya kommune, and Sparebanken1. Fremantle handles international sales. Jens Richter, CEO Commercial & International at Fremantle, believes the series possesses “all the elements of an international hit,” citing its gripping narrative, psychological depth, and cinematic scale.

Miso Film is too presenting the historical epic “Royal Blood” at the Coming Next from the Nordics Showcase, highlighting the company’s commitment to ambitious and relevant storytelling. Previous successful series from Miso Film include “The Investigation,” “Faithless,” and “The Uniform.”