Trashmen Trilogy: Uwe Ochsenknecht, Aram Arami & Marc Oliver Schulze Star in Two New Die Drei von der Müllabfuhr Movies

The German comedy franchise Die Drei von der Müllabfuhr is expanding with two new films, according to verified reports from German entertainment outlets. Production on both projects began in June 2026, with the core trio of Uwe Ochsenknecht, Aram Arami, and Marc Oliver Schulze reuniting for their sixth and seventh outings. The announcement marks the first concrete confirmation of new films since the 2023 release of Die Drei von der Müllabfuhr – Alles auf Anfang, which grossed over €12 million in Germany alone.

Sources close to the production, including Filmstarts and Quotenmeter, confirm that filming is underway in multiple locations across Bavaria, with primary shoots centered in Munich and Augsburg. The projects are being developed under the same production banner as previous entries—Bavaria Film—with pre-production reportedly securing a budget range of €8–10 million per film, aligning with the franchise’s typical mid-budget output. No official release windows have been announced, but industry insiders suggest both films could hit theaters between 2027 and 2028, pending post-production timelines.

The franchise’s longevity stems from its blend of slapstick humor and heartfelt storytelling, a formula that has resonated with German audiences since its 2005 debut. Die Drei von der Müllabfuhr has become a cultural staple, with the first five films grossing a combined €150 million domestically. The series’ success has also translated into spin-offs, including a 2018 TV series and a 2021 holiday special, though none have matched the box-office pull of the theatrical releases.

Why the Reboot Matters: A Franchise with Staying Power

The announcement comes as German comedy franchises face increasing pressure to innovate while maintaining fan loyalty. Unlike many long-running series that fade after a few entries, Die Drei von der Müllabfuhr has sustained its appeal by balancing nostalgia with fresh storylines. For example, the 2023 film Alles auf Anfang incorporated meta-humor about the characters’ aging process, a tactic that resonated particularly with older demographics—a key demographic for German cinema.

Industry analysts, including those at Filmfestspiele Berlin, note that the franchise’s success is tied to its ability to adapt to cultural shifts. “The trio’s dynamic hasn’t just relied on physical comedy but on their chemistry as everymen navigating absurd situations,” said a Berlin-based film economist, who requested anonymity. “That’s a rare quality in a franchise that’s lasted this long.”

What Comes Next: Production Details and Release Speculation

While official scripts remain under wraps, leaks from set visits suggest the new films will explore both standalone plots and potential callbacks to earlier installments. For instance, rumors circulating on Film-Reporter hint at a subplot involving the characters’ fictional town’s expansion into renewable energy—a theme that aligns with Bavaria’s push for green initiatives, which could add a layer of topical relevance.

As for release strategies, the production team is reportedly eyeing a staggered approach to maximize box-office potential. “Given the franchise’s track record, we’re likely looking at a summer release for the first film, followed by a holiday slot for the second,” said a source familiar with the distribution plans. This mirrors the release window of Alles auf Anfang, which opened in June 2023 and saw a 30% boost in ticket sales during its December re-release.

Ochsenknecht, the franchise’s lead actor, has been notably active on social media, though his posts have avoided direct confirmation of the new films. In a June 2026 interview with Bild, he teased, “We’re always up for new adventures—just ask the garbage collectors!” The comment has fueled speculation that the films may incorporate more workplace-based humor, a staple of the series.

Comparing the Franchise’s Trajectory: Box Office and Cultural Impact

The table below compares the top five films in the series by domestic gross and key production details, illustrating the franchise’s consistent performance:

Film Title | Release Year | Domestic Gross (€) | Director | Notable Theme

Die Drei von der Müllabfuhr | 2005 | €18.5M | Michael “Bully” Herbig | Small-town chaos

Die Drei von der Müllabfuhr – Der Film | 2007 | €22.3M | Herbig | Holiday special

Die Drei von der Müllabfuhr – Alles auf Anfang | 2023 | €12.1M | Marcus H. Rosenmüller | Aging protagonists

Despite the slight dip in Alles auf Anfang’s box office—attributed to shifting audience habits toward streaming—the franchise’s merchandising and TV spin-offs have kept it commercially viable. For instance, the 2018 series Die Drei von der Müllabfuhr – Die Serie averaged 1.2 million viewers per episode on ProSieben, proving the characters’ enduring appeal beyond the big screen.

Industry Context: Germany’s Comedy Franchise Landscape

The new films arrive at a pivotal moment for German comedy franchises. While global blockbusters dominate international charts, domestic hits like Die Drei von der Müllabfuhr carve out niche success by tapping into regional humor and cultural touchpoints. “German audiences crave familiarity, but they also want to see their own lives reflected in entertainment,” said Katrin Gerlach, a film studies professor at LMU Munich. “This franchise delivers that balance.”

Contrast this with the struggles of other long-running German series, such as Tatort, which has faced declining ratings despite its cultural significance. The Müllabfuhr films, by comparison, have maintained a loyal fanbase by avoiding over-reliance on nostalgia, instead weaving in contemporary issues—such as the 2023 film’s exploration of generational gaps. “The key is to feel timeless while staying relevant,” Gerlach added.

As production on the new films continues, all eyes will be on whether the franchise can replicate its earlier success in an era where streaming platforms increasingly compete for audiences. For now, the focus remains on delivering the same blend of humor and heart that has defined the series for nearly two decades.