In a move likely to anger movie purists everywhere, it was announced late this weekend that a long awaited sequel to the cherished classic The Sound of Music is in the works. Why is this relevant to a ski racing magazine? Because none other than Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo has been announced as the choice to play the lead of Captain von Trapp. “It seemed like a natural fit for us,” said Charles Diller, President of Touchstone Pictures, the production company tasked with daunting job of producing the remake.
“We were kicking a lot of names around,” said Diller. “I think many people know that the von Trapp family settled in America after their escape from Austria. They opened a famous cross-country ski resort—the Trapp Family Lodge—that has been enjoyed by generations of cross-country skiing enthusiasts. We wanted someone who could convincingly carry the role of a leading man but was also believable in the role as an avid skier. We thought about Iivo Niskanen, Alexander Bolshunov, Petter Northug. They’ve all got the thick accent, the piercing eyes, the classic skiing chops . . . but none of those guys can sing!”
Diller continued that “I skied cross-country at Middlebury College and had hoped that I could someday meet Klaebo. I happen to have a condo in Park City, Utah and had a chance encounter with Klaebo through a mutual friend when Klaebo was training there. We met up for a cup of coffee and had a very enjoyable conversation about lots of things—skiing and non-skiing. I mentioned in passing that we were developing the sequel and asked him who he thought would be a good leading man. I already had in mind someone athletic, and a retired skier seemed like the perfect fit. I never in a million years expected what happened next. He told me that he was actually a very good singer, thought he could pull it off, and that he needed a good diversion from his training. At first, I thought he was joking, but right there in the coffee shop he knocked out a few bars of Edelweiss. I was blown away—almost moved to tears. I offered him the role on the spot. He’s got the physical presence, and the singing ability. I think the world will be shocked by how good he is going to be; he’s got a real shot at winning a Crystal Globe and Academy Award in the same year!”
“We’re going to keep the accurate history of Captain von Trapp as an Austrian and Klaebo certainly can pass for that. His accent may not be perfect, but he will certainly be more authentic than Christopher Plummer ever was. Not to knock Chris, he was a tremendous legendary actor and a singular talent, but they weren’t really too concerned about authenticity in the original. Our story is going to be truer to actual events: grittier, bolder. It’s important for us to have someone who is convincing physically.”
“Klaebo’s presence will allow us to pursue the storyline beyond the von Trapp’s time in Austria (that portrayed in The Sound of Music) into their challenges building a cross-country ski resort near Stowe, Vermont. It’s a part of the story I’m excited to share with people. And who better than Johannes Klaebo to depict cross-country skiing on the silver screen!”
Klaebo is already an entrepreneur, so expanding into the movies shouldn’t be that much of a reach. His hair care product company is already successful, and the Norwegian clearly has a long term plan for life after skiing.
Touchstone also has the details worked out for who will be put in the unenviable position of replacing Julie Andrews in the role of Maria von Trapp. Diller acknowledged that they are in final talks with Lady Gaga to play the key role. “She already proved herself as a real screen presence in A Star is Born. I think she would be a tremendous Maria. We have an agreement in principle and just have to work out details. I think the on-screen pairing of Klaebo with Lady Gaga will be an unimaginably great experience for audiences. I’m thinking Bogart-and-Bacall level of chemistry.”
The first draft of the script is already done, and filming is expected to begin next summer on location in Austria and Norway. It will be significantly modernized to address more realistic themes than the original ever could. “Lady Gaga will bring a smoldering sensuality to Maria that was never possible in the original. Klaebo and Gaga are both open to doing unclothed scenes, but we haven’t worked out the details on that yet. If you think about it, the physicality between Maria and Captain von Trapp was never explored in the original, so this is something we feel audiences will appreciate. It will bring emotional tension and a contemporary feel to the entire production.”
“I can share with you that there is a very different ending in store for Rolfe— the delivery boy who betrayed the von Trapps. He will meet a very spectacular and fitting demise. This is not going to be a G-rated film. We’re guessing that it will be rated PG-13, maybe R, but we think the contemporary themes will be an upgrade that the story richly deserves.”
For those who are surprised by Klaebo’s singing abilities, they shouldn’t be. “I’ve been singing since I was a young boy,” said Klaebo. “I grew up with music in the house and had considered a career in music before my skiing career ever began. I used to sing at family gatherings all the time. In fact, at one point I was a strong candidate for the Eurovision contest, but I gave it up once I became serious about skiing. It’s not a big stretch for me, I often sing to myself on long training skis. There are a couple of other guys on the Norwegian team who are also musically talented. Amundsen plays a great stand-up bass, and Even Northug has an awesome countertenor like you wouldn’t believe. At one point we were thinking of putting together a group called the Klister Connection, or Klisterfools, but it just never came together. We were all too busy, I really regret that not happening.”
The idea of baring it all on the screen doesn’t faze Klaebo. “If it’s integral to the story line I’m ok with it. I’m really looking forward to this next step in my career and especially doing scenes with Lady Gaga; clothes on or not. She’s pretty awesome.”
Ski fans can’t wait to see how Klaebo turns out as Captain von Trapp; as usual, it’s never a good move to bet against him.
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This article was written and published April 1, 2024. (Happy April Fool’s Day)
