Netflix’s The Chestnut Man: Hide and Seek marks the chilling return of one of the most gripping Nordic noir dramas in recent years. A standalone sequel to The Chestnut Man (Kastanjemanden), the series once again brings detectives Naia Thulin and Mark Hess to the forefront as they unravel a disturbing new case tied to a twisted children’s rhyme. Led by Danica Curcic and Mikkel Boe Følsgaard, the show leans heavily on its central duo, whose layered dynamic continues to anchor the story.

Premiering on Netflix on May 7, 2026, the sequel expands its world with new characters while retaining familiar faces that fans of the original will recognize. With its dark tone and character-driven storytelling, the series once again relies on a strong ensemble to bring its unsettling mystery to life.

That powerful mix of returning stars and fresh faces makes the cast a key highlight of the new season.

Danica Curcic as Naia Thulin: Curcic returns as the sharp and determined Copenhagen police investigator leading the case. Thulin remains the emotional and investigative core of the series, balancing professional intensity with personal complexity.

Mikkel Boe Følsgaard as Mark Hess: Følsgaard reprises his role as the brooding Europol investigator who reunites with Thulin. The actor is also known for roles like Martin in The Rain and Asger Holm Kirkegaard in Borgen, adding to his strong presence in Danish television.

Sofie Gråbøl as Marie Holst: A major new addition, Gråbøl’s character is expected to play a significant role in the unfolding mystery.

Katinka Lærke Petersen as Sandra Lindstrøm: Petersen joins the cast in another key role tied to the central investigation.

Özlem Saglanmak as Esra Foldager: A new addition whose character is expected to connect closely to the case.

Ester Birch as Le Thulin: Birch plays a role linked to Thulin’s personal life, adding emotional stakes to the narrative.

Anders Hove as Aksel Larsen: A seasoned actor joining the ensemble in a supporting role.

Michelle Bjørn-Andersen as Gunna Husted: Another supporting character contributing to the expanding storyline.

Christoffer Svane as Jon Hess: Svane portrays a character connected to Hess, hinting at deeper personal layers.

Mette Frank as Jon’s Neighbor: A smaller but potentially impactful role within the narrative.

Anders Brink Madsen as Thor Holst: Part of the extended cast tied to the central mystery.

Ella Josephine Lund Nilsson as Molly Holst: A younger character connected to the Holst family storyline.

Bjørk Storm as Emma Holst: Returning from the original series, continuing her role in the narrative universe.

Mathilde Eusebius as Louise Rosager: Adds to the ensemble tied to the investigation.

Ida Cæcilie Rasmussen as Signe Møller: Another supporting character within the case’s web.

Youssef Wayne Hvidtfeldt as Sebastian Heydari: Rounds out the extended cast involved in the storyline.

Returning favorites like David Dencik (Simon Genz), Iben Dorner (Rosa Hartung), Lars Ranthe (Nylander), and Esben Dalgaard Andersen (Steen Hartung) further strengthen the ensemble, maintaining continuity with Season 1.

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While the cast brings the story to life, the chilling premise behind the new season raises the stakes even higher.

The new season, The Chestnut Man: Hide and Seek revolves around the disappearance and murder of a 41-year-old woman whose life had been quietly infiltrated by a stalker. Through a trail of digital evidence, investigators uncover a disturbing pattern, images, videos, and a haunting nursery rhyme sent by the perpetrator, turning an innocent childhood game into a sinister psychological weapon.

As the case unfolds, it becomes linked to the unsolved murder of a teenage girl from two years earlier, forcing Thulin and Hess to reconnect and confront both the investigation and their complicated personal history. Unlike the chestnut figurine killings of the first season, this installment stands as a fresh mystery, leaning deeper into psychological tension while maintaining the grim, methodical tone that defines Nordic noir storytelling.

With a compelling mix of returning stars and intriguing new additions, The Chestnut Man: Hide and Seek builds on the success of its predecessor while introducing a darker and more psychologically intense narrative. The ensemble cast remains central to the series’ appeal, grounding its haunting story in powerful performances.

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Will you be watching The Chestnut Man: Hide and Seek on Netflix? Let us know in the comments!