Renny Harlin is a prominent Finnish film director, producer, screenwriter, and actor with a net worth of $10 million. Known for his extensive work in action and thriller films, Harlin’s career spans several decades. His directorial achievements include over 20 movies, such as Die Hard 2 (1990), Cliffhanger (1993), and The Covenant (2006), among others. Harlin has not only directed but also written and produced numerous films, contributing significantly to the global film industry. With a legacy in action filmmaking, Harlin’s career has seen both successes and notable challenges.
Early Life and Background
Renny Harlin, born Renny Lauri Mauritz Harjola, entered the world on March 15, 1959, in Riihimäki, Finland. His father, Oiva Harjola, was a respected chief physician at Riihimäki Hospital, and his mother, Liisa Koskiluoma, worked as a nurse. Harlin adopted the surname “Harlin” in 1987, originally his father’s surname. Harlin’s half-brother, Veli-Pekka Harjola, is a notable sprint canoeist who represented Finland in the 1984 Summer Olympics.
Harlin attended the University of Art and Design Helsinki, studying film, but dropped out before completing his degree. His passion for filmmaking led him to explore various opportunities in the film industry, which eventually shaped his career path.
Career Beginnings and Early Success
After leaving university, Renny Harlin began working in the film industry by directing company films and commercials. His early filmmaking experience included short films, such as Huostaanotto (1980) and Kohtauspaikka 33 (1981), which showcased his emerging directorial skills. Harlin’s big break came after meeting Markus Selin, a fellow Finnish filmmaker, in Los Angeles. The two co-wrote the screenplay for Arctic Heat, which was later renamed Born American and released in 1986. The film marked a significant milestone, as it became the most expensive film ever produced in Finland at the time.
Following the success of Born American, Harlin and Selin founded Landmark Productions in 1986, which laid the foundation for a series of successful collaborations. In 1987, Harlin directed Prison, a horror film that introduced him to a broader international audience, and in 1988, he took on the iconic slasher film A Nightmare on Elm Street 4: The Dream Master. This film earned a solid $49.4 million at the box office and earned Harlin three Saturn Award nominations.
Rise to Prominence in Hollywood
Renny Harlin’s Hollywood career began to soar with the release of Die Hard 2 in 1990. The film grossed $240 million at the box office and solidified Harlin’s reputation as a master of high-stakes action filmmaking. He also directed The Adventures of Ford Fairlane in the same year, showcasing his versatility across different genres.
In 1991, Harlin produced the critically acclaimed drama Rambling Rose, which went on to win an Independent Spirit Award. The following year, he directed Cliffhanger, starring Sylvester Stallone, which grossed $255 million worldwide. The film was notable not only for its box office success but also for its inclusion in the Guinness Book of World Records for the most expensive film stunt performed in the air, costing a staggering $1 million.
Personal and Professional Setbacks
Despite these successes, Harlin faced significant challenges in the mid-1990s. One of his most notorious setbacks came with the release of Cutthroat Island in 1995. The film, which had a production budget of $115 million, was a commercial failure, grossing only $11 million worldwide. This monumental flop is often cited as one of the biggest in Hollywood history and is believed to have negatively impacted the career of Harlin’s then-wife, actress Geena Davis, who starred in the film.
The mid-90s also saw Harlin working on The Long Kiss Goodnight (1996) and Mistrial (1996), which, despite critical praise, failed to perform as expected at the box office. However, in 1999, Harlin found success again with the release of Deep Blue Sea, a sci-fi thriller that grossed $164.6 million. The film’s success helped to revive his career and demonstrated his ability to deliver solid entertainment despite previous missteps.
Later Projects and Return to Directing
In the 2000s, Harlin’s career continued with a series of projects that included both directing and producing. He collaborated with Sylvester Stallone again on Driven (2001), a racing action film. Other notable films from this era include Mindhunters (2004), Exorcist: The Beginning (2004), and The Covenant (2006). Though these films were not massive blockbusters, they contributed to Harlin’s reputation as a director skilled at crafting suspenseful and action-packed narratives.
Harlin also expanded his career by directing several episodes of popular TV shows, including Burn Notice and White Collar between 2011 and 2013. He produced The Resident (2011) and directed 5 Days of War (2011) and Devil’s Pass (2013), both of which were well-received within the action and thriller genres.
More Recent Work
In 2014, Harlin directed the fantasy film The Legend of Hercules, which saw mixed reviews but added another feature to his diverse portfolio. His subsequent works include Skiptrace (2016), Legend of the Ancient Sword (2018), Bodies at Rest (2019), and The Misfits (2021). These films represent Harlin’s ongoing dedication to creating action-packed thrillers and maintaining relevance in the competitive film industry.
As of 2022, Harlin was preparing to direct a remake of the 2008 horror film The Strangers, with Madelaine Petsch in the lead role. This film is expected to be the first in a new trilogy, indicating that Harlin remains active and engaged in the evolving world of filmmaking.
Personal Life and Relationships
Renny Harlin’s personal life has garnered attention, particularly his high-profile marriage to actress Geena Davis. The couple married in 1993 but divorced in 1998 after Harlin’s affair with Tiffany Bowne, Davis’s personal secretary. Davis gave birth to Harlin’s son, Luukas (Luke), in 1997.
Harlin later married Johanna Kokkila, a schoolteacher and fitness enthusiast, in September 2021. The couple welcomed their daughter, Coco, in July 2022, marking a new chapter in Harlin’s personal life.
Recognition and Awards
Throughout his career, Harlin has earned various accolades for his work. He received a Lifetime Achievement Jussi Award at the Jussi Awards in 1991. His film Rambling Rose won an Independent Spirit Award for Best Feature in 1992. Other films, such as Prison (1987) and A Nightmare on Elm Street 4: The Dream Master (1988), earned Harlin nominations for prestigious awards, including the Saturn Award and International Fantasy Film Awards.
Real Estate Ventures
Renny Harlin has also invested in real estate. In 2004, he purchased a 2,756-square-foot home in Venice, California, for $1.7 million. He listed the property for $1.999 million in 2012, and it ultimately sold for $1.83 million by the end of the year. The property featured three bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and an office, reflecting Harlin’s lifestyle and success outside of his film career.
