Mans Marlind, born and raised just outside Stockholm, Sweden, has steadily carved out a name for himself in Hollywood—especially after co-directing the 2012 vampire thriller Underworld: Awakening. From an early age, Mans Marlind showed a deep passion for cinema, inspired by both classic Swedish films, including the works of legendary director Ingmar Bergman, and high-octane American blockbusters. Growing up alongside his close friend Bjorn Stein—who would later become his frequent directing partner—the two shared a mutual love for storytelling and filmmaking. As teenagers, they even made their first film together, sparking what would become a lifelong creative journey for Mans Marlind.
Driven by that early spark, Mans Marlind pursued formal training in filmmaking at Stockholm University before further honing his craft at the prestigious American Film Institute in Los Angeles. His career began in television, where he first stepped behind the camera as a writer and director. In 1999, Mans Marlind earned his first official directing credit on the Swedish series Sjätte dagen, marking the beginning of a successful run in Scandinavian TV. Over the next few years, he directed several well-received shows such as The Befallen, Spung, and Snapphanar, while also exploring comedy with the 2002 short film Disco Kung Fu.
A major turning point came in 2005 when Mans Marlind teamed up once again with Bjorn Stein to co-direct their debut feature film, Storm—a fantasy thriller written by Mans Marlind himself. The film showcased their distinctive visual style and narrative ambition. Their breakthrough into international cinema arrived in 2010 with Shelter, a big-budget psychological mystery starring Julianne Moore and Jonathan Rhys Meyers. The film generated significant buzz in Hollywood and firmly established Mans Marlind and his collaborator as directors capable of handling complex, high-stakes projects.
Buoyed by the success of Shelter, it was no surprise when Mans Marlind and Bjorn Stein were chosen to helm Underworld: Awakening, the fourth installment in the popular Underworld franchise. Starring Kate Beckinsale, the film brought Mans Marlind’s vision to a global audience, solidifying his place in modern genre cinema. Through dedication, collaboration, and a clear artistic voice, Mans Marlind continues to evolve as a filmmaker with a unique transatlantic perspective—bridging Swedish storytelling traditions with Hollywood scale.
When it comes to Måns Mårlind’s filmography, fans and critics alike often point to Underworld: Awakening (2012) as his most successful and highest rated project. It really stands out in Måns Mårlind’s career, showcasing his ability to handle large-scale action and visual effects with confidence. On the other hand, 6 Souls (2010) tends to receive more mixed or negative feedback, making it one of the lower-rated entries in Måns Mårlind’s body of work. While opinions may vary, it’s clear that Måns Mårlind has had his share of highs and lows—Underworld: Awakening definitely being a peak moment for Måns Mårlind, while 6 Souls is often seen as a less impactful chapter in his journey as a filmmaker.