Netflix sets foot into odd territory with the announcement of a hard-hitting comedic satire on Hitler.
The popular streaming company has promised that 2016 will a big year in regards to adding new material to the website, and their new venture is definitely something else. Having bought the rights for other sci-fis and action series, Netflix now bought the rights to a successful German film and will be releasing it worldwide April 9th.
The new film, called Look Who’s Back, received immense box office success in Germany, earning $22 million, and Netflix hopes to continue its success. The series is based on a best-selling novel by Timur Vermes, which entails the adventures of Hitler waking up in his former bunker but in present time. The man must then maneuver his way around modern day Germany full of multicultural aspects. The unsuspecting population has mistaken him for a famous comedian and basically carries on with his antics, despite the dictator feeling the exact same sentiments as in his era. The show will be directed by David Wnendt and produced by Constantin Film, the film follows a “Borat” model where the main character is thrust into antics he doesn’t fully understand. But this time the main character is someone considered one of the most evil men to walk the earth.
Since Netflix has bought many worldwide rights, except for Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Benelux, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Japan, and Taiwan, the film will be released globally and even in some theaters. Netflix has been known to present its viewers with very controversial films and series so this is nothing new, but the controversy surrounding this film may come from a resounding impact of multiple communities. The acts of the German dictator are not ones that are forgotten and with the re-publishing of his “Mein Kampf” in his native country, having a film that creates laughs about the man may present some issues. Even if Netflix sees no problems, and potentially large profits, the reactions of the public have yet to be known.
The film will be in German and be released with subtitles and stars Oliver Masucci as the main character. Come April the public will know if they can stomach to see Hitler in a rather comedic setting.
