Return of 'Ronja Räubertochter': New Season Premieres This Easter
Sun 20th Apr, 2025
The eagerly awaited second season of the reimagined series 'Ronja Räubertochter,' based on Astrid Lindgren's beloved tale, is set to premiere on Easter Sunday. Following a successful first season, which captivated audiences during the Christmas holidays, viewers were left on a cliffhanger, wondering about the fate of the brave protagonist Ronja and her father Mattis. The ARD has announced that the sequel will air three episodes on April 20, starting at 5:15 PM, with the remaining episodes following on April 21 at 5:45 PM. All six episodes will also be available on the ARD Mediathek starting April 18. In this new installment, the central theme remains the bond between Ronja and Birk, the son of her father's rival. As their secret friendship is revealed, tensions escalate, leading to Mattis feeling betrayed and ultimately disowning his daughter. This pivotal moment prompts Ronja and Birk to flee to a bear cave in the enchanted Mattiswald, setting the stage for new adventures. While returning viewers will recognize plot elements from the iconic book and the 1984 film adaptation, the new series brings fresh depth to the characters. Screenwriter Hans Rosenfeldt has expanded the narrative, introducing new storylines that heighten the drama. Notably, Ronja's mother, Lovis, portrayed by Krista Kosonen, takes on a more significant role in the sequel. The backstory of the rivalry between Mattis and Borka, the leader of the opposing band, is also explored more thoroughly, providing viewers with insights into their past friendship turned animosity. In the Mattiswald, Ronja and Birk face not only fantastical creatures but also human adversaries, including a warrior named Smavis, who poses a significant threat due to a traumatic history with Mattis. This season's direction is handled by Pontus Klänge, known for his work on Swedish crime dramas, while the cinematography continues to be crafted by Frida Wendel, showcasing the stunning natural landscapes with vibrant imagery. Despite the series maintaining a darker tone, it is suggested that the second season might be slightly less intense, allowing for a more gradual pace. However, it is still deemed unsuitable for younger audiences without parental guidance. The recommended viewing age is ten years and older. For those wishing to catch up on the first season before diving into the new episodes, it remains available on the ARD Mediathek and is also being aired by various regional broadcasters ahead of Easter. According to ARD's film production unit, the delay between the two seasons was due to legal constraints and the time required to finalize the dubbing for the new episodes.
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