First look at the epic sequel ‘The Physician II’

A decade later, the journey continues

After ten years, the highly anticipated sequel to the historical epic The Physician is finally here. Beta Cinema, Constantin Film, Zeitsprung Pictures, and UFA Fiction have unveiled the first look at The Physician II, promising the same gripping storytelling and rich historical context that made the original film a global sensation.

The success of the original film

Released in 2013, The Physician captivated audiences worldwide, being sold across over 60 territories and becoming an international box-office powerhouse. In Germany alone, the film grossed an impressive $42 million with 3.6 million admissions, solidifying its status as a cinematic tour de force.

An ensemble cast of stars and talents

Director Philipp Stölzl, who helmed the original film, returns to the director’s chair to guide this sequel, reuniting a stellar cast of seasoned actors and emerging talents. Tom Payne, known for his roles in Horizon: An American Saga and The Walking Dead, reprises his role as the dedicated physician Rob Cole. He is joined by Emily Cox (The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die), Aidan Gillen (Game of Thrones, Maze Runner), Áine Rose Daly (Boiling Point, Hanna), Owen Teale (Robin Hood, Game of Thrones), and Liam Cunningham (Game of Thrones, Hunger).

Filming locations and release details

The extensive shoot for the film, which spanned from August to October 2024, took place across several historic and picturesque locations, including Hungary, Cologne, and Berlin. Constantin Film aims to release the film in German cinemas on December 25, 2025, while Beta Cinema handles international sales, already presenting initial materials at the American Film Market.

A journey through medieval London

Set in the 11th century, the narrative picks up with physician Rob Cole and his companions as they flee Isfahan and find themselves in London. Their goal is to spread their advanced medical knowledge amidst the backdrop of royal court intrigues and societal challenges. Rob must navigate through these trials to help his patients, gain recognition for his work, and confront a new profound challenge—the suffering of the human soul.

Director’s perspective

Reflecting on his return to the world of The Physician, director Philipp Stölzl shared, “Coming back to The Physician after 10 years has been a wonderful and intense experience for me as a director. On one hand, it felt like a warm homecoming to familiar characters and themes. On the other, it was fascinating to see how my perspective has evolved artistically over the years.”

A producer’s dream realized

Producer Wolf Bauer expressed his excitement, stating, “A long dream comes true. The story of The Physician, focusing on the human quest for knowledge and wisdom, continues. The Physician II once again offers great epic cinema, following our hero Rob Cole on his adventurous journey back to medieval London and into the depths of the human soul. Intolerance, superstition, hostility towards all things foreign, and diabolical intrigues at the royal court are his biggest enemies. We are proud to bring this epic movie to life, thanks to our passionate partners Beta, Amazon, ZDF, and Constantin Film.”

Returning to a beloved role

Tom Payne also shared his thoughts on revisiting his character: “Not many actors have the opportunity to return to a role they have previously played, especially after ten years. It’s a unique honor to revisit a character beloved by millions and embark on a new adventure exploring meaningful and universal themes within an epic and engrossing story. I am thrilled for audiences to re-enter the world of Rob Cole and enjoy a timeless movie experience.”

Behind the scenes

The Physician II is a collaborative effort between Wolf Bauer and Philipp Stölzl, with producers Till Derenbach and Michael Souvignier from Zeitsprung Pictures, and Bauer and Sebastian Werninger from UFA Fiction. Constantin Film and Beta co-produce the film, which is directed again by Stölzl, based on a story by Jan Berger and Stölzl. Key financing partners for the production include Amazon Prime Video and ZDF. The project also receives support from the Film- und Medienstiftung NRW, Medienboard Berlin-Brandenburg (MBB), the German Federal Film Fund (DFFF), and the German Federal Film Board (FFA).

Stay tuned for more updates and insights as the epic journey of The Physician II unfolds. Share this exciting news with fellow cinema enthusiasts and follow our site for all the latest developments in the world of film.