Luca Hänni: From Singer to Screen – ‘Ewigi Liebi’ & Life Updates

Bern, Switzerland – February 12, 2026 – Luca Hänni, best known for winning “Deutschland sucht den Superstar” in 2012 and representing Switzerland at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2019, is stepping into a new role: leading man. The singer is starring in the film adaptation of “Ewigi Liebi,” Switzerland’s most successful musical of all time, which premiered in cinemas today.

The film, directed by Pierre Monnard (“Platzspitzbaby,” “Hallo Betty”), brings the beloved story of Heidi and Daneli to the big screen. Hänni plays Daneli, a role originally created for the stage in 2007. Susanne Kunz, Elena Flury, and Pasquale Aleardi also star, with cameo appearances from Baschi and Fabienne Louves. Monnard described bringing the story to film as a “dream come true.”

Hänni’s transition to acting wasn’t necessarily a calculated career move, but rather an opportunity he embraced. “I’m mostly open to new things,” he explained in a recent interview. “When the request came, I wanted to try it out.” He acknowledged that diversifying his portfolio – which already includes music, television appearances, and hosting gigs – felt prudent. “It seems smarter,” he said, “to spread things out.”

The role came about through a direct invitation from the production company three years ago. Hänni didn’t have to audition, a fact he attributes to his existing public profile. “I probably got the role because I’m Luca Hänni,” he conceded, adding that he believes he brings a natural likeability to the character. “I think I bring sympathy to the role, make it accessible, and that’s what Daneli should be.”

Interestingly, Hänni hadn’t actually seen the stage production of “Ewigi Liebi” before taking on the role. His preparation involved reading the script multiple times – though he admitted his attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) made sustained reading a challenge – and working closely with Monnard to understand Daneli’s perspective. “Reading isn’t really my strength,” he confessed. “I’m an ADHSler.” He ultimately read the script six times, prioritizing discussions with the director over exhaustive script analysis.

He found resonance with Daneli’s character, identifying with his desire to please others and avoid conflict. “He’s nice and doesn’t want to rock the boat, wants to make everyone happy,” Hänni said. “I see that in myself too.” This aligns with the “sunny boy” image he’s cultivated throughout his career, though he insists it’s simply his natural disposition.

The film also marks Hänni’s acting debut, and included a scene that initially caused some apprehension: a sex scene. He admitted to being “scared” beforehand, but ultimately found the experience more amusing than daunting. “It wasn’t the most difficult part,” he revealed. “You don’t see that much, just a quick glimpse of my bare backside through the window. It was rather funny. I had nothing on. You had to tape stuff up, the car had to shake. I had to concentrate in a funny way so that I still took it seriously.” The most challenging scene, he said, was the emotionally charged confrontation between Daneli and his rival, Ferdinand, requiring him to deliver a particularly harsh line – “you damned fool, you” – which he found difficult to say.

Beyond the acting challenges, Hänni’s foray into film has also brought financial success. He was recently named among the 100 richest Swiss citizens under 40 by “Bilanz” magazine, a fact he initially only “suspected” was true. “It’s nice when it works financially,” he acknowledged, adding that his growing family and advancing age have made financial stability more important.

While Hänni is enjoying the experience of acting, he doesn’t see it as a complete departure from his musical roots. He expressed a fondness for singing the Swiss hits featured in the film, particularly “Alperose,” and even entertained the idea of incorporating Swiss German into his repertoire in the future. “Who knows, maybe Swiss German will come along,” he mused. “Then I’ll become a dialect rocker at 40.”

Looking ahead, Hänni is open to further acting opportunities, particularly in the action genre. “Action would be cool,” he said, playfully inquiring about the existence of Swiss action films. He emphasized, however, that he remains, at heart, Luca Hänni. “I’m still Luca Hänni.”

“Ewigi Liebi – Der Film” is now playing in Swiss cinemas.