Ahead of the new Stromberg film's cinema release, discussions highlight similarities between Chancellor Friedrich Merz and the series character Bernd Stromberg. Actor Christoph Maria Herbst notes parallels in origins and behavior. Government spokesperson Stefan Kornelius acknowledges visual resemblances but emphasizes differences.
The office satire 'Stromberg' aired from 2004 to 2012 on ProSieben and had its first feature film in 2014. On December 4, 2025, the sequel 'Stromberg - Wieder alles wie immer' premieres in German cinemas, with Christoph Maria Herbst reprising his role as the provocative office boss Bernd Stromberg.
Social media users have long compared Merz to Stromberg, often via clips and AI-generated videos. Herbst tells the German Press Agency (dpa) he has received such videos and often laughed. 'Sometimes my voice was dubbed over his mouth and the lips moved perfectly in sync,' he says. 'One has to admit: AI isn't just crap, that was actually funny.'
Herbst understands the comparisons: 'Sure, Merz lacks the beard. But for example, both have a rather provincial background. Stromberg could be straight out of the Sauerland. That would totally fit the character.' He references a documentary where Merz tells Green politician Steffi Lemke in an elevator: 'It makes the elevator a bit heavier.' 'You couldn't write a better line for Stromberg,' Herbst remarks, but adds: 'Of course, that doesn't do justice to Merz as a person.'
Government spokesperson Stefan Kornelius, appointed by Merz, responds calmly. 'The Chancellor probably won't escape the hairstyle comparison,' he tells dpa. However: 'Otherwise, the office routine and tone in the Chancellery differ markedly from the series.'
Herbst, 59, promises the film will amplify both comedy and tragedy compared to its predecessor. 'Stromberg was already out of time back then. He was already a figure from the 80s,' he explains. 'One can imagine what happens if you tell such a story in 2025.' Fans await the sequel eagerly.