Back in 1981, a German-language film called Das Boot detailing the daily routine of a U-boat crew became an instant hit with viewers.
Almost four decades later, it’s been rebooted and semi-reimagined by Sky, becoming one of Germany’s biggest budget dramas.
Billing itself as a sequel, Das Boot returns to the perilous adventures of an inexperienced U-Boat crew, but this time with women too, as well as detailing a resistance on land.
Tonight, the action finally comes to Sky Atlantic. Here’s what you should know….
What is Das Boot about?
The eight-episode series, which will air in blocks of two, is set in 1942 – nine months after the film ended in December 1941.
Directed by Andreas Prochaska and a product of Sky Germany, the drama itself is split into a couple of different plots – the U-612 crew trying their best to survive a secret mission and an upcoming Resistance in La Rochelle, threatening to boil over.
Unlike the original film, there are two strong female leads tied up in the new series, with Simone – the sister of a U-boat operator who soon becomes separated from her sibling – and Carla, a leader on land.
Who stars in Das Boot?
The military drama has an international cast, with Rick Okon as Kapitänleutnant Klaus Hoffmann, Robert Stadlober as Hinrich Laudrup and Rainer Bock as Fregattenkapitän Gluck as just some of the U-boat stars.
Fiercely determined interpreter Simone Stasser, who is one of the new recruits to the franchise, is played by Vicky Krieps, while Lizzy Caplan – who has previously starred in Masters Of Sex – is Carla Monroe.
Actress Caplan, who played Janis Ian in the cult 2004 film Mean Girls, told the Standard that getting to explore and film in different countries was “extremely rewarding”, although she found “small talk” non-existent as the sole American actress who only spoke one language.
Admitting she was initially sceptical about touching anything related to a Das Boot remake, Caplan said that she found the scrips “gripping and compelling” when she read through them.
The 36-year-old said: “Some films should never be touched, ever, but for something like Das Boot even though it’s so long I found myself rewatching.
“I wanted to know more about the characters, this felt like it warranted further exploration. It’s not a direct remake but hopefully more of a respectful homage.”
When is Das Boot on?
Das Boot starts at 9pm on Sky Atlantic, also available on NOW TV with an Entertainment Pass.
