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German-Lebanese actor Kida Khodr Ramadan, a breakout star whose international profile surged thanks to his captivating performance in the acclaimed crime drama "4 Blocks" on Amazon Prime Video, is set to lead "GÖZ," a bold and contemporary reimagining of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe’s classic drama "Götz von Berlichingen." The ambitious project will be helmed by director Nuran David Calis, a filmmaker renowned for his innovative and modern screen adaptations, most notably his critically lauded take on Georg Büchner’s "Woyzeck." This upcoming film promises to translate the rebellious spirit of Goethe’s 18th-century knight into a compelling narrative for the 21st century, tackling contemporary issues of urban displacement and societal resistance.
"GÖZ" is currently in development at Maze Pictures, a prominent Munich and Berlin-based production company with a strong track record in European co-productions and a growing international presence. Maze Pictures recently garnered attention with its European co-production project "Phoenix," which secured a selection at this year’s Berlinale Market Series, underscoring the company’s commitment to fostering diverse and compelling cinematic narratives. The production of "GÖZ" will be overseen by producers Geraldine Laprell and Philipp Kreuzer, who are spearheading Maze Pictures’ endeavor to bring this ambitious adaptation to the screen. Their vision for "GÖZ" is to recast Goethe’s iconic figure, traditionally depicted as an iron-handed knight, as a modern anti-hero grappling with the harsh realities of urban displacement.
The narrative of "GÖZ" will be set against the backdrop of a vibrant urban neighborhood under siege from relentless corporate interests and pervasive political corruption. In this high-stakes environment, Ramadan’s character will emerge as a formidable leader, spearheading a grassroots resistance movement to protect his home, his community, and his very sense of honor. This contemporary setting allows for a potent exploration of themes that resonate deeply with audiences today, drawing parallels between historical struggles for autonomy and the modern-day fight against gentrification and unchecked development. The choice of Ramadan for this pivotal role is seen as a masterstroke by the producers.
"Kida Khodr Ramadan brings an unmatched intensity and authenticity to this role," Laprell and Kreuzer stated in a joint press release, elaborating on their casting decision. "He is the perfect force to embody the spirit of Goethe’s most defiant rebel." Ramadan’s previous work, particularly his visceral portrayal of a clan leader in "4 Blocks," has established him as an actor capable of conveying complex characters with raw power and emotional depth. This inherent ability to inhabit characters on the fringes of society, while maintaining a strong moral compass, makes him an ideal candidate to embody the spirit of Götz von Berlichingen in a modern context. His performance is expected to be a cornerstone of the film’s impact, injecting a potent blend of street-smart resilience and defiant integrity into the character.
For director Nuran David Calis, "GÖZ" marks a significant and high-profile return to adapting classical literary works for the screen. Calis, the son of Armenian-Jewish immigrants from Turkey, has carved out a niche for himself by breathing new life into canonical texts through a distinctly modern lens. His previous cinematic adaptation of Georg Büchner’s "Woyzeck," which featured acclaimed actors Tom Schilling and Nora von Waldstätten, was widely praised by critics for its bold, uncompromising vision and its ability to translate the play’s themes of societal alienation and existential dread into a contemporary, often unsettling, cinematic experience. This proven ability to bridge historical narratives with modern sensibilities is a key factor in the anticipation surrounding "GÖZ."
With "GÖZ," Calis aims to create a compelling dialogue between the fervent spirit of the 18th-century "Sturm und Drang" (Storm and Stress) literary movement, characterized by its emphasis on individual emotion and rebellion against societal norms, and the pressing socio-political tensions that define modern-day Germany. This ambitious undertaking suggests a film that will not only be a character-driven drama but also a commentary on the contemporary challenges faced by communities struggling against powerful external forces. The producers further emphasized Calis’s "Woyzeck" as a crucial reference point, illustrating his unique talent for translating canonical material into a resonant modern register that speaks to the anxieties and aspirations of today’s audiences.
The production of "GÖZ" also serves to reinforce Maze Pictures’ strategic positioning as a dynamic German independent production house with a distinctly outward-facing, international co-production profile. Over the years, Maze Pictures has cultivated a diverse and impressive portfolio of film and television projects, showcasing their ability to attract high-caliber talent and engage in ambitious, cross-border collaborations. Their producer credits read like a who’s who of celebrated cinema, including Rupert Everett’s Oscar Wilde biopic "The Happy Prince," which starred Everett himself alongside Colin Firth. They were also instrumental in the production of the high-octane action-comedy "Guns Akimbo," featuring Daniel Radcliffe, and Abel Ferrara’s visually arresting "Siberia," toplined by Willem Dafoe. More recently, Maze has been involved in "Rumours," an ensemble comedy boasting a stellar cast including Cate Blanchett and Alicia Vikander, further cementing their reputation for working with A-list talent.
On the television front, Maze Pictures has demonstrated a flexible and strategic approach, adeptly navigating both local commissioning structures and complex multi-territory co-productions. Their television slate includes the German-Dutch-Norwegian fantasy series "Heirs of the Night," a testament to their ability to manage ambitious international genre productions, and the critically acclaimed France 2-linked bestseller adaptation "The Crimson Rivers," which is now entering its fourth season, indicating sustained success and audience engagement.
Further highlighting their international reach and success, Maze Pictures’ series "Sunshine Eyes" garnered significant acclaim, winning the Special Jury Prize at Series Mania before finding a global audience on Netflix. Closer to home, the Bavarian series "Himmel, Herrgott, Sakrament" achieved strong ratings on German television and is currently available for streaming on Amazon, demonstrating their capacity to produce impactful local content with broad appeal.
Through its subsidiary Supernix, Maze Pictures has further solidified its role as a key player in high-profile international productions, often featuring major English-language stars. This strategic move has allowed them to participate in, and contribute to, globally recognized series such as "Nine Perfect Strangers" Season 2, headlined by Nicole Kidman, and the action-thriller "Cliffhanger," starring Pierce Brosnan and Lily James. These collaborations underscore Maze Pictures’ growing influence and their established position as a valuable cross-border partner capable of facilitating cast-driven, high-budget packages for the international market. The development and production of "GÖZ" represent another significant step in this trajectory, promising a compelling cinematic experience that blends literary heritage with contemporary relevance, driven by a powerful lead performance and a director with a proven vision for innovative adaptation. The film is poised to capture the imagination of audiences, offering a fresh perspective on a classic tale of defiance and resilience in the face of overwhelming odds.