Introduction
We’ve got exciting news for ABBA fans: Björn Ulvaeus is working on a brand-new musical—this time without his longtime collaborator Benny Andersson. The project was revealed during Björn’s recent appearance at the Gothenburg Book Fair, the largest of its kind in Scandinavia, where he shared that the musical will explore the rich and fascinating world of Nordic mythology.
For decades, Björn and Benny have co-created groundbreaking musicals such as Chess, Kristina från Duvemåla, and the global phenomenon Mamma Mia!. Each of these works carried themes of faith, mythology, or cultural heritage in some form. With the new production, Björn is diving directly into Nordic myth, drawing on stories of gods, heroes, and epic battles that have shaped Scandinavian identity for centuries. It’s an ambitious concept, and one that connects naturally with ABBA’s history of weaving mythological imagery into their art—recall the Voyage concert’s animated interludes for “Voulez-Vous” and “Eagle,” both of which carried symbolic, almost mythic undertones.
What makes this project particularly intriguing is that Björn is not writing it alongside Benny. Instead, he is collaborating with a British author whose identity has not yet been confirmed. Speculation ranges from fantasy giant Neil Gaiman to authors such as Jane Fallon and even J.K. Rowling, but nothing has been officially announced. Björn also revealed that artificial intelligence is playing a role in the writing process, marking another bold step into modern creative methods.
This isn’t the first time Björn has branched out independently. His 2022 project Pippi at the Circus was largely his own initiative, blending traditional melodies with fresh lyrics, some of which were co-written with Benny. The Nordic mythology musical, however, appears aimed squarely at the international stage, with plans to be written and performed in English.
As production moves forward, anticipation is building. Will the music echo ABBA’s signature style, or will Björn take audiences into entirely new sonic territory? Who is the mysterious co-writer? And how will age-old legends be reshaped into a modern theatrical experience?
One thing is certain: with Björn at the helm, audiences can expect a production that is imaginative, daring, and deeply rooted in the storytelling tradition that has defined his career. Stay tuned—this could be the next great chapter in Scandinavian musical theater.