For generations, Norwegians have embraced the iconic pirate Captain Sabelfoot, a character created by Terje Formoe, who is currently up for a Spellemann award – the Norwegian equivalent of a Grammy.
It all began as a stage production in Kristiansand’s Dyreparken (Zoo) in the summer of 1990, and has since grown into one of the country’s most established entertainment franchises. The enduring popularity of Sabelfoot speaks to the power of strong characters and immersive storytelling in children’s entertainment.
Over the last 36 years, the Sabelfoot universe has expanded to include numerous TV series, books, songs, and films.
And, notably, the iconic Captain Sabelfoot figure that disappeared in 2012.
– Skal ikke gi meg før jeg er ferdig
Even though it’s been over three decades since Norway first encountered the pirate, the creator behind it all says he’s still actively working to expand the Sabelfoot universe today.
– I’m working on it all the time, I can’t give up until I’m finished,” says Terje Formoe (76) to TV 2.
Formoe isn’t just the mastermind behind the franchise, he too played the lead character himself in the beloved performances at Kristiansand Dyrepark.
– It’s an entertainment universe I’ve been building for 36 years, so it definitely means a lot to me,” he says.
Formoe performed in the shows from 1990 to 1999 and again in 2010. In later years, Svein Roger Karlsen, Kyrre Haugen Sydness, and Pål Christian Eggen have taken on the role.
Spellemann-nominated
TV 2 spoke with Formoe in connection with the Spellemann nominations.
The music from the 2025 animated film “Captain Sabelfoot and the Countess of Gral” is nominated in the children’s music category.
He explains that as the originator, it’s a great honor to witness how the Sabelfoot character is being developed in ever recent formats.
– Jeg var litt cocky
– Did you believe the universe would become so big when you started with Captain Sabelfoot?
– I was a little cocky at the beginning and said I would keep at this for many years. But I maybe didn’t envision that we would have record numbers 36 years later.”
And the 76-year-old has no plans to retire anytime soon.
– Retire? What does that mean?” he says with a laugh.
