Actor Hopes “Unsympathetic” Wheelchair Role Lands with Audiences in New NRK Christmas Series
Buskerud, Norway - December 1, 2025 – mats Bjerknes, a Norwegian actor with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), is hoping his deliberately ”unsympathetic” portrayal of a character in the new NRK series Nissene i skjul strikes the right chord with viewers when it premieres today. The show, a continuation of the popular Nissene på låven franchise created by Espen Eckbo and Kristian Ødegård in 2001, features 24 gnomes competing on a disused pig farm, with one eliminated each evening leading up to a final showdown on Christmas Eve.
Bjerknes, who has used a wheelchair since age 10, brings personal experience to the role – though not in the way one might expect. “I had experience with that,” he told NRK, referring to navigating life in a wheelchair. “I didn’t have to play that role, it came automatically.” he acknowledges the potential for a divisive character, adding, “And then I have to hope that I don’t only is unsympathetic, but also a bit funny.”
Nissene i skjul is a parody of reality television,mirroring the original series’ format of daily contestant eliminations. The production, from Seefood TV, reunites Eckbo and Ødegård, who expressed both “pride and horror” at the new iteration. eckbo lauded the casting of Bjerknes alongside Herman Flesvig and Kevin Vågenes, stating they were uniquely suited to carry on the show’s legacy.
Bjerknes described the filming experience as “freezing cold and long days,but incredible fun,” and felt welcomed by the established comedic talents. He anticipates the premiere with excitement, eager to see how his scenes are integrated into the larger narrative. Spinal Muscular Atrophy is a serious and rare muscle disease that progressively worsens,affecting motor nerve cells in the spinal cord and leading to muscle atrophy.
