Kida Khodr Ramadan to Star in Modern ‘Götz von Berlichingen’ Reimagining – ‘GÖZ’

Kida Khodr Ramadan, the German-Lebanese actor best known for his breakout role in the Amazon Prime Video series “4 Blocks,” is set to take on a new challenge: portraying a modern reimagining of Goethe’s iconic character, Götz von Berlichingen. The project, titled “GÖZ,” is being directed by Nuran David Calis, who previously garnered critical acclaim for his adaptation of Georg Büchner’s “Woyzeck.”

The film is being developed by Munich and Berlin-based Maze Pictures, a production company with a growing international profile. Maze’s current slate includes the European co-production “Phoenix,” selected for the Berlinale Market Series this year. “GÖZ” represents a significant step for Maze, solidifying its position as a German independent production house with a focus on international co-productions.

“GÖZ” isn’t simply a period piece adaptation. Instead, Calis and Maze Pictures are reframing Goethe’s 16th-century knight as a contemporary anti-hero embroiled in a struggle against urban displacement. The story unfolds in a neighborhood facing pressure from corporate interests and political corruption, with Ramadan’s character leading a resistance movement to protect his home, and honor. This contemporary setting promises a fresh and relevant take on the classic tale.

Geraldine Laprell and Philipp Kreuzer, the producers for Maze Pictures, expressed their enthusiasm for Ramadan’s casting, stating that he “brings an unmatched intensity and authenticity to this role,” and is “the perfect force to embody the spirit of Goethe’s most defiant rebel.” This sentiment underscores the producers’ belief that Ramadan’s established intensity, honed through his work on “4 Blocks,” will translate powerfully to the character of Götz.

Nuran David Calis’s involvement is equally crucial to the project’s ambition. His previous work on “Woyzeck” demonstrated a talent for adapting classic literary material for a modern audience. Calis, the son of Armenian-Jewish immigrants from Turkey, is known for his bold and contemporary vision, and his ability to translate canonical works into a modern register. The success of “Woyzeck,” starring Tom Schilling and Nora von Waldstätten, serves as a strong indicator of his ability to deliver a compelling and thought-provoking adaptation.

The director’s aim with “GÖZ” is to bridge the gap between the “Sturm und Drang” (Storm and Stress) movement of the 18th century – a period characterized by intense emotion and individualism – and the socio-political realities of contemporary Germany. This suggests a film that will not only be visually striking but also deeply resonant with current issues of gentrification, social justice, and resistance.

Maze Pictures has a track record of supporting ambitious and internationally-focused projects. Their past productions include Rupert Everett’s “The Happy Prince,” a biopic of Oscar Wilde starring Everett and Colin Firth; the action-comedy “Guns Akimbo,” led by Daniel Radcliffe; and Abel Ferrara’s “Siberia,” featuring Willem Dafoe. More recently, they’ve been involved in “Rumours,” an ensemble comedy boasting Cate Blanchett and Alicia Vikander. This diverse portfolio demonstrates the company’s willingness to take risks and collaborate with established and emerging talent.

Beyond film, Maze Pictures has also been active in television, with projects ranging from local commissions to multi-territory co-productions. These include the German-Dutch-Norwegian fantasy series “Heirs of the Night” and the France 2-linked adaptation of “The Crimson Rivers,” currently in its fourth season. Their series “Sunshine Eyes” won a Special Jury Prize at Series Mania and subsequently streamed on Netflix, while “Himmel, Herrgott, Sakrament” has found success on German television and Amazon.

Through its subsidiary, Supernix, Maze has further expanded its reach, participating in high-profile international productions such as Season 2 of “Nine Perfect Strangers” (starring Nicole Kidman) and “Cliffhanger” (with Pierce Brosnan and Lily James). This involvement underscores the company’s role as a valuable cross-border partner, capable of attracting major English-language stars and delivering cast-driven packages.

The casting of Kida Khodr Ramadan in “GÖZ” marks a significant moment for both the actor and the production company. Ramadan’s international recognition, coupled with Calis’s proven ability to reimagine classic literature, positions “GÖZ” as a potentially groundbreaking film that could resonate with audiences both in Germany and abroad. The project promises a compelling blend of historical drama and contemporary social commentary, offering a fresh perspective on a timeless story.