Josh Gad will lead the cast of "Gerron's Last Film," a WWII drama directed by Simon Curtis about the Jewish performer forced to direct a Nazi propaganda movie. The project draws from the true story of Kurt Gerron, a prominent actor and director in pre-Nazi Germany. Production is slated to begin in the third quarter of 2026.
Josh Gad, known for his roles in "Murder on the Orient Express" and voicing Olaf in "Frozen," has been cast as Kurt Gerron in the upcoming film "Gerron's Last Film." Directed by Simon Curtis, whose credits include "Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale" and "Woman in Gold," the movie is inspired by Gerron's life as a celebrated Jewish artist who stayed in Germany despite the rising Nazi threat.
Gerron gained fame in the Weimar era as an actor, singer, and director, notably originating the role that featured "Mack the Knife" in Bertolt Brecht's "The Threepenny Opera." Unlike peers such as Fritz Lang and Marlene Dietrich, he did not emigrate and was eventually deported to the Theresienstadt Ghetto. There, camp commander Karl Rahm, a self-proclaimed admirer of his work, compelled Gerron to helm a propaganda film depicting the ghetto as a humane place. Gerron complied under duress, incorporating subtle acts of resistance to preserve some dignity for his fellow inmates.
Gad expressed enthusiasm for the role, stating, "This is a film that will be universally spoken about and responded to." He emphasized its timeliness: "These themes are more relevant today than they have been in decades." The actor, fresh from completing "Spaceballs 2" and contributing to "Zootopia 2," views the project as a vital storytelling opportunity: "I got into this industry to make movies that are important, that can create conversations."
Curtis praised the script's appeal: "The outstanding script has attracted the perfect leading man in Josh Gad. I feel very passionately about telling Kurt Gerron's remarkable story which offers so many exciting creative opportunities." Producers Talia Kleinhendler and Osnat Handelsman Keren of Pie Films called it a passion project, noting Gerron's multifaceted talents and Gad's suitability: "Kurt Gerron was a master of so many talents – he was a stage performer, singer, actor and director. He was larger than life, and the infinitely talented Josh Gad is the perfect person to embody this complex nuanced role."
The screenplay comes from Ehud Lavski and Alon Gur Arye, with Adam Recht editing and Ross Emery serving as cinematographer. CAA Media Finance and WME Independent hold domestic rights, while Rocket Science manages international sales, debuting the film at the European Film Market.
