First images from ‘The White Death’, the film about Simo Häyhä, the legendary soldier who killed more than 500 Russians in three months
The upcoming war film, set for release in 2027, will depict the life of Finland’s most feared marksman.
Simo Häyhä, known as “The White Death,” was a Finnish sniper who eliminated 542 Soviet soldiers during the Winter War (1939–1940), making him one of the deadliest snipers in history. His record is second only to Iranian sniper Abdorrasul Zarrin, who reportedly killed 740 Iraqi soldiers.
Häyhä started as a precision shooter before joining the military, impressing everyone with his ability to hit tiny targets at 150 meters with speed and accuracy. Once enlisted, he quickly rose to the rank of corporal, and when war broke out, his legendary sharpshooting turned him into a feared opponent on the battlefield.
- ‘Mission: Impossible 8’ received mixed reviews, but debuted with an 88% rating on Rotten Tomatoes
- The new ‘Superman’ trailer gives us a glimpse of the Last Son of Krypton in all his glory
- The original writer of a nearly forgotten trilogy calls for the return of a key character: “Why is it taking so long?”
What do we know about the film?
- Title: 'The White Death’
- Lead actor: Finnish actor Jarkko Lahti (Citizens, 2008) will portray Häyhä.
- Release date: 2027
- Production details: The film is based on real events, though it’s unclear whether it will cover Häyhä’s entire life or focus solely on the war.
Lahti has spent a year preparing for the role, including training with a precision rifle to accurately portray Häyhä’s legendary marksmanship. Regarding his portrayal, Lahti recently said to Screen Daily:
“Häyhä was a shy, modest, and reserved man. I will respect his character. With this role, I want to honor the entire generation that lived through the Winter War as well as my own Karelian heritage.”
Häyhä’s survival tactics and legacy
Häyhä’s skills went beyond sharpshooting, he used unique survival techniques, such as:
- Chewing ice to prevent his breath from revealing his position.
- Using a rifle without a telescopic sight to avoid sunlight reflections that could expose him.
On March 6, 1940, Häyhä was severely wounded by an explosive bullet to the face. He fell into a coma but miraculously survived after multiple surgeries.
Despite his injuries, Häyhä went on to live a peaceful life, becoming passionate about dog breeding and local hunting. More than half a century later, he passed away in 2002 at the age of 96 due to natural causes.
Follow MeriStation USA on X (formerly known as Twitter). Your video game and entertainment website for all the news, updates, and breaking news from the world of video games, movies, series, manga, and anime. Previews, reviews, interviews, trailers, gameplay, podcasts and more! Follow us now!