Fremantle announced on Wednesday that it has acquired global distribution rights, excluding German-speaking territories, for the premium fantasy drama 'Hagen' from Constantin Film. The deal encompasses both a six-part series and a feature film intended for theatrical release. RTL Group retains the German streaming and free TV rights for the production.
'Hagen,' based on Wolfgang Hohlbein's bestselling novel 'Hagen von Tronje,' offers a contemporary reimagining of the medieval 'Nibelungen' folk saga. The narrative, credited as an influence on modern fantasy works like 'Game of Thrones' and 'The Lord of the Rings,' revolves around the characters of Hagen, a loyal soldier, and Siegfried, the renowned dragon slayer.
The story unfolds as Hagen, torn between his allegiance to the kingdom and his forbidden love for Princess Kriemhild, faces the imminent threat of a Hun invasion and the arrival of Siegfried. The king, seeking to fortify his realm, pursues a union with Valkyrie queen Brunhild, requiring the assistance of both Siegfried and Hagen. The ensuing events lead to a dramatic sequence of love, power struggles, familial ties, and warfare, all presented with high-quality cinematic production values.
Jens Richter, CEO International at Fremantle, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration with Constantin Film on this ambitious project, highlighting the series' promise of captivating audiences with its immersive storytelling and visual grandeur.
Constantin Film's Martin Moszkowicz and Oliver Berben echoed Richter's sentiments, emphasizing the enduring appeal of the 'Hagen' saga and their anticipation for its global reception.
The cast includes Gijs Naber as Hagen von Tronje, Jannis Niewöhner as Siegfried, Lilja van der Zwaag as Princess Kriemhild, Rosalinde Mynster as Valkyrie Brunhild, and Dominic Marcus Singer as King Gunter, among others. The series is helmed by directors Cyrill Boss and Philipp Stennert, with a script penned by Boss, Stennert, and Doron Wisotzky.
Production of 'Hagen' is led by Constantin Film, with support from various funding sources including Filmförderungsanstalt, FilmFernsehFonds Bayern, and the Czech Film Fund for the feature film, and Creative Europe - Media Programme of the European Union, German Motion Picture Fund, and others for the series.
The partnership between Fremantle and Constantin Film marks a continued collaboration following their successful co-production of 'We Children From Bahnhof Zoo,' underscoring their commitment to delivering compelling content to audiences worldwide.
