Simo Häyhä, known as the “White Death” of the Winter War, is being made into a movie

Last after becoming one of the most successful domestic films of the year Lapua 1976 the makers are now preparing a war film. That tells Simo Häyhäwhich is one of the most famous snipers of all time.

The Häyhä film is being written Toni Kurkimäkiwho also directs it.

“Häyhä is the most famous and most effective of all snipers,” says Kurkimäki in a phone interview.

“This hadn’t been done yet.”

At least Olli Saarela and the American production team have previously said that they are planning a film about Häyhä. However, the production of a feature film did not proceed. Filming for the latest venture is scheduled to take place in early 2026, says the producer Mikko Jokipii.

Huh (1905–2002) is alleged to have shot more than 500 Soviet soldiers during the winter war in just over three months. He was nicknamed “White Death” by his enemies.

In the 21st century, Häyhä has become a very well-known name internationally thanks to the internet and meme culture. When Finland’s NATO application was discussed in the United States Senate, Simo Häyhä was mentioned among names in Finnish military history, not for example Carl Gustaf Emil Mannerheim (1867–1951).

Recent years have made Häyhä’s true story relevant in a new way.

“There is no need to look far for points of convergence with the current world situation. The winter war and the war in Ukraine have a lot in common,” says Kurkimäki.

An actor has been chosen for the part of Häyhä. The name will not be announced until next year. This is an actor who has been awarded for his film and theater work, the production says.

Kurkimäki according to this, the film will be a portrait about a short period of time instead of following a group, as is the case with Finnish war films About the unknown soldier has been a habit since.

Häyhä also served as a legend for the so-called “horror of Morocco”. Aarne Juutilainen in the leading company in Kollaa.

“Häyh’s relationship with his commander is really interesting. A Jew who served in the Foreign Legion for five years comes to the winter war and makes Häyhä a sniper,” describes Kurkimäki.

“Juutilainen and Häyhä are complete opposites. Hähä was small, quiet and modest. Juutilainen was a 190-centimeter-tall booze-and-women-loving brat who was looking for conflict,” he continues.

The authors describe Häyhä and Juutilais as the central characters, through whose interactions the soul life of the hero character opens up. Kurkimäki sees Häyhä as a modest man who did not expect or want the cloak of a hero.

“What price does Simo have to pay for his reputation as the most efficient killer? Everyone can put themselves in a mind game of what it would be like to be in war and be so good at it that you become a symbol on your own fronts and on other fronts as well,” Kurkimäki reflects.

Producer Jokipii describes the story as very Finnish and Karelian. Homeland love becomes part of the drama like Lapua in 1976.

“The goose just wanted to go home. He was a bit like a hobbit, on his way there and back,” says Jokipii.

The project the announcement took place on Friday in Screen magazine. It is a British business publication for the film industry. The creators know that Häyhä is a name that attracts international attention.

“We will have a big international acting role open for the Soviet soldiers,” says Jokipii.

The perspective is also extended to the opposite side of the front, the authors reveal.

“What was Häyhä’s reputation among the Russians? This kind of angle has not been covered in a Finnish war film,” says Jokipii.

International financiers are now being sought. From Finland, Nordisk Film, the country’s largest distribution company, has committed to be one of the financiers of Häyhä.

Simo Häyhän the legend revolves around how many soldiers of the opposing side he killed with exceptional precision and determination.

“It’s not an interesting starting point to talk about that number. We tell what comes of heroism,” says director-writer Toni Kurkimäki.

You would hardly recognize the Häyhä of Internet memes from the real-life character.

“Hähä is also used today in contexts that he would not sign. There are a huge number of YouTube and Tiktok videos,” continues producer Mikko Jokipii.

The stories built around Hähä draw only from the events of a few weeks during the winter war. He was seriously wounded a week before the end of the Winter War and woke up from unconsciousness the day the war ended. Due to his injuries, he did not participate in the continuation of the war as a soldier, but farmed during it on his homestead in South Karelia’s Rautjärvi, which eventually remained in the ceded area.

Häyhä’s fame, which later avoided publicity, has spread worldwide in the 21st century, and for example, several metal bands have made songs about him.