A fresh take on the Nibelung saga: Hagen von Tronje’s journey from page to screen
Reimagining a classic tale
For filmmakers Cyrill Boss and Philipp Stennert, Wolfgang Hohlbein’s 1986 bestselling novel “Hagen von Tronje” provided the perfect foundation for both a feature film and an epic six-part series. The story, rooted in the ancient Nibelung saga, shifts the narrative focus from the legendary dragon slayer Siegfried to Hagen von Tronje, traditionally seen as the antagonist.
A new perspective on an old legend
In this adaptation, which premiered at the Zurich Film Festival, Dutch actor Gijs Naber takes on the role of Hagen, the steadfast lord commander to King Gunter of Burgundy, played by Dominic Marcus Singer. Hagen’s unwavering sense of duty and iron determination are what hold the crisis-ridden kingdom together. However, his loyalty and discipline are put to the test with the arrival of the bold and impulsive Siegfried, portrayed by Jannis Niewöhner.
The appeal of Hohlbein’s twist
Hohlbein’s novel gained immense popularity in Germany during the 1980s, a period when stories of knights and Germanic legends were in vogue. What set Hohlbein’s work apart was his decision to narrate the tale from the perspective of the so-called villain, Hagen, rather than the hero, Siegfried. This unique twist intrigued Boss and Stennert, who saw it as an opportunity to explore the story from a fresh angle.
The enduring allure of the Nibelung saga
The Nibelung saga, an ancient Germanic legend, has inspired countless modern fantasy stories, including J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings.” According to Stennert, the saga’s enduring appeal lies in its rich tapestry of themes and characters. “It has powerful female characters, a central family, and the dramatic fall of a kingdom,” he explains. “These elements allow each generation to reinterpret the story in new ways.”
The duality of characters
The filmmakers focused on the contrasting personalities of Hagen and Siegfried. Hagen is disciplined and loyal, while Siegfried is wild and spontaneous. This dichotomy, they believe, reflects the dual forces within human nature. “It tells so much about human behavior and the internal conflicts we face every day,” Stennert notes.
Crafting a multifaceted narrative
The new perspective offered by Hohlbein’s work allowed the creators to delve into previously unexplored aspects of the story. “What is Hagen’s experience? What is his side of the story?” Stennert asks. This approach provided a rich vein of material for both the film and the series.
The challenges of dual production
Simultaneously overseeing the production of both the film and the series, which were shot primarily at Prague’s Barrandov Studios and in Iceland, posed significant challenges for Boss and Stennert. Writing and structuring the narrative to suit both formats required careful planning. “We had to balance the ensemble nature of the series with the focused conflict of the film,” Stennert explains.
A deeper dive into the Burgundian court
The series, in particular, offers a more detailed exploration of the Burgundian court, focusing on King Gunter’s family. Characters like Gunter’s sister Kriemhild, his mother Queen Ute, and his brothers Gernot and Giselher come to the forefront, providing a richer, more nuanced view of the story.
The perfect casting
Finding the right actor for Hagen was crucial. After an extensive search, Naber was chosen for his ability to embody both the physical toughness and the subtle sensitivity required for the role. “He brought a unique blend of strength and vulnerability,” Stennert says. “He reminded us of classic actors like Lee Marvin and Charles Bronson, who conveyed deep emotion with minimalistic expressions.”
A complementary experience
The film and series were designed to complement each other, offering different perspectives on the same story. “If you enjoy the feature film, the series will provide even more depth and understanding of the characters,” Boss explains. The entire project was meticulously planned from the ground up to ensure a cohesive narrative across both formats.
Efficient production
With a tight budget and limited time, the directors had to be efficient. “We had 113 shooting days, which sounds like a lot, but for a six-episode series plus additional scenes for the film, it wasn’t,” Boss says. By dividing the workload and shooting with different units, they maximized their resources to tell the story effectively.
The journey ahead
Produced by Constantin Film, “Hagen” is set to hit German theaters on October 17, with the series premiering next year on RTL+. Fremantle is handling world sales for both outside German-speaking territories.
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