Hans Petter Moland Biography: Height, Net Worth, Movies, Parents, Siblings, Awards, Wife, Age, Kids

Hans Petter Moland is a Norwegian director and screenwriter who found significant international recognition through his specific approach to the thriller genre.

He became widely known to global audiences after directing the 2014 film In Order of Disappearance, a story about a snowplow driver seeking revenge that stood out for its dry tone and stark visuals.

His popularity grew further when he moved into the American film industry to direct the 2019 remake of that same story, titled Cold Pursuit, which featured Liam Neeson in the lead role.

Outside of these action-oriented projects, he is respected in the film community for his long-term creative partnership with actor Stellan Skarsgård, a collaboration that has resulted in several critically acclaimed movies.

Profile

• Full Name: Hans Petter Moland
• Date of Birth: October 17, 1955
• Age: 70 years old
• Gender: Male
• Place of Birth: Oslo, Norway
• Nationality: Norwegian
• Profession: Film Director and Screenwriter
• Height: 6 feet 1 inch
• Weight: 82 kg
• Eye Color: Blue
• Hair Color: Grey
• Parents: Odd Moland and Sigrid Eid Moland
• Siblings: Morten Moland
• Spouse: Maria Sødahl
• Children: Nicolai Moland, Anna Marina Moland, Max Emil Moland, Sara Moland, Lukas Moland, Jack Moland
• Relationship status: Married
• Religion: Christian
• Ethnicity: Norwegian
• Net worth: $5,000,000

Early Life and Education

Hans Petter Moland is now at the age of 70 and was born on October 17, 1955.

He spent his formative years in Oslo, Norway, alongside his brother Morten Moland.

His parents, Odd and Sigrid, eventually separated, an event that shaped his perspective during his youth.

He grew up in an environment where he was exposed to both urban life and the more rugged aspects of the Norwegian landscape, which later influenced the settings of his films.

Seeking a change in environment, he moved to the United States as a young man to participate in an exchange program.

He chose to pursue his higher education in America, enrolling at Emerson College in Boston.

He focused his studies on film and media, graduating in 1978 with a Bachelor of Arts degree.

His time in Boston provided him with a technical foundation in filmmaking that he would later apply to both commercial work and feature-length cinema upon his return to Europe.

Personal Life

Hans Petter Moland has been married twice and has a total of six children across his two relationships.

His first marriage was to Elizabeth Pacini, an American woman he met while studying at Emerson College in the 1970s.

The couple lived together for several years and had three children named Nicolai, Anna Marina, and Max Emil.

They eventually divorced in 1992.

Following this, he entered a long-term relationship and eventual marriage with Maria Sødahl, who is also a prominent film director in Norway.

Their relationship has been a significant part of his life for over three decades, and together they have three children named Sara, Lukas, and Jack.

The family faced a major crisis in 2011 when Maria was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer, a situation that became the inspiration for her own film, Hope.

Moland supported her through her treatment and eventual recovery, and the two remain married and active in the Norwegian film industry today.

Career

Hans Petter Moland career began through advertising, where he spent years directing hundreds of commercials.

This period allowed him to refine his visual style and earned him several industry honors before he transitioned to feature films.

He made his directorial debut in 1993 with The Last Lieutenant, a war drama set during the German invasion of Norway.

He soon established a reputation for gritty, atmospheric storytelling with Zero Kelvin in 1995.

His career is characterized by a frequent collaboration with Stellan Skarsgård, appearing in films like Aberdeen and A Somewhat Gentle Man.

In 2014, his film In Order of Disappearance became a major hit on the festival circuit, leading to his entry into Hollywood.

He directed the 2019 film Cold Pursuit and continued his work with Liam Neeson in the 2024 thriller Absolution.

His work is often noted for its balance of violence and quiet, reflective moments.

Awards

• Amanda Award for Best Film: The Last Lieutenant (1994)
• Amanda Award for Best Director: Zero Kelvin (1996)
• Amanda Award for Best Director: A Somewhat Gentle Man (2010)
• Berlin International Film Festival Prize of the Guild of German Art House Cinemas: A Somewhat Gentle Man (2010)
• Berlin International Film Festival Silver Bear for Outstanding Artistic Contribution: Out Stealing Horses (2019)
• Amanda Committee’s Honorary Award: Lifetime Achievement (2025)
• Ghent International Film Festival Grand Prix Nomination: The Beautiful Country (2004)
• Berlin International Film Festival Golden Bear Nomination: The Beautiful Country (2004)
• Berlin International Film Festival Golden Bear Nomination: In Order of Disappearance (2014)
• European Film Award Nomination for Best European Comedy: A Somewhat Gentle Man (2010)

Net worth

Hans Petter Moland has a net worth of approximately $5,000,000.

This wealth has been accumulated through a career that began with high-paying commercial directing roles in the 1980s and 1990s.

His transition into international filmmaking, particularly with the 2019 release of Cold Pursuit which earned over $76 million at the global box office, significantly boosted his financial standing through director fees and backend points.

Social Media

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Filmography

• The Last Lieutenant (1993)
• Zero Kelvin (1995)
• Aberdeen (2000)
• The Beautiful Country (2004)
• Comrade Pedersen (2006)
• A Somewhat Gentle Man (2010)
• In Order of Disappearance (2014)
• Department Q: A Conspiracy of Faith (2016)
• Out Stealing Horses (2019)
• Cold Pursuit (2019)
• Absolution (2024)