Fremantle revealed on Wednesday that it has acquired worldwide distribution rights, outside German-speaking territories, to premium fantasy drama Hagen – a working title – from Konstantin Film. The deal includes rights to a six-part series and a feature film for theatrical release. The RTL Group owns the German television rights and free-to-air television rights.
Fremantle will feature ‘Hagen’ as one of its major scripted dramatic titles on Friday’s Fremantle Presents as part of the London TV Shows.
Inspired by Wolfgang Hohlbein’s best-selling novel “Hagen von Tronje,” “Hagen” is a reimagining of the popular medieval epic “Nibelungen.” The story is one of the inspirations behind modern fantasies such as J. R. R. Tolkien’s “Game of Thrones” and “The Lord of the Rings.”
The series revolves around obedient soldier Hagen and Siegfried, the legendary dragon slayer. Hagen, committed to his loyalty to the kingdom, is the Lord Commander, ready to serve his king and stand by his side. But he has a secret: he is deeply in love with Princess Kriemhild. It’s a love that will never be allowed.
Hagen von Trunge
Courtesy of Fremantle
His world is turned upside down when the Huns threaten to invade, and an unexpected guest, Siegfried, arrives. The king, determined to strengthen his kingdom, searches for a new wife, Brunhilde – the famous Valkyrie Queen, who has ancient magical powers.
To secure her hand, the king needs the help of both Siegfried and Hagen. A series of dramatic and ultimately catastrophic events unfold in this sweeping story of love, power, family and war presented with cinematic production values.
Valkyrie Brunhild, King Gunther
Courtesy of Fremantle
“I couldn’t be more thrilled to be working with Constantin Film on this exciting new project,” said Jens Richter, Fremantle’s International CEO. “Hagen” is a contemporary reimagining of the mother of all fantasy epics – “Nibelungen.” Prepare yourselves for outstanding entertainment with outstanding production values A truly stunning game that promises to draw audiences into an immersive world filled with epic battles, love, power, and betrayal—all delivered with stunning visual integrity.
“The saga of Hagen and this hero’s journey is the foundation of modern cinematic pop culture storytelling,” said Martin Moskowitz, CEO of Constantin Film, and Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors, Oliver Berbin. “We are excited to bring this outstanding production with Fremantle to audiences around the world.”
Valkyrie Brunhilde
Courtesy of Fremantle
Gijs Naber (“Blackbook,” “The Story of My Wife”) will play protagonist Hagen von Tronje, alongside Jannis Niewöhner (“Amazon’s Beat,” “Munich”) as his antagonist Siegfried. Lilja van der Zwaag will play Princess Kriemhild, Rosalind Meinster will play Valkyrie Brünnhilde, while Dominik Markus Singer will play King Gunther. Jördis Triebel (“Dark”) and Jörg Hartmann (“The Weissensee Saga”) support the roles of Queen Ute and King Dankrat respectively.
The directors are Cyril Bos and Philipp Steinert, whose most recent series was the ‘Pagan Peak Series’ on Sky. The screenplay was written by Boss, Steinert and Doron Vysotsky.
The film “Hagen” is produced by Konstantin Film. The producers are Jan Ehlert (“The Allegation”), Christoph Müller (“Look Who’s Back”), and Christian Rude (“The Witnesses”), with Filip Hering (“Never Look Away”) co-producing on the Czech side. Martin Moskowitz and Oliver Berben of Constantin Film serve as executive producers. Thomas Desch and Nico Green are in editorial responsibility on behalf of RTL under the supervision of Hoek Barthel, Head of Fiction at RTL Germany.
Siegfried, Princess Kriemhild
Courtesy of Fremantle
The deal marks a strengthening of the relationship between Fremantle and Constantin Film following the partnership in 2021, which saw Fremantle take over global distribution for Constantin TV and co-produce Amazon Studios’ We Children From Bahnhof Zoo. The series has been released in more than 40 territories around the world.
The feature film is financed by Filmförderungsanstalt, FilmFernsehFonds Bayern, production incentives from the Czech Film Fund, the German Federal Film Fund, Medienboard Berlin-Brandenburg, and the Ministry of Culture and Business Affairs of the Government of Iceland.
The series is financed by production incentives from the Czech Film Fund, the Creative Europe – Media Program of the European Union, FilmFernsehFonds Bayern, the German Motion Picture Fund, Medienboard Berlin-Brandenburg and the Ministry of Culture and Business Affairs of the Government of Iceland.