Martin Müller Reveals Challenges of Portraying Nazi Heinrich Himmler in ‘I Is Another’ at Locarno Film Festival

German actor Martin Müller takes on the complex role of Heinrich Himmler, a prominent Nazi figure and architect of the Holocaust, in the film I Is Another (Ich Ist ein Anderer). Directed by Felix Randau, the film is set to premiere on August 7 at the 79th edition of the Locarno Film Festival in Switzerland. This portrayal raises significant challenges and responsibilities for actors, particularly when depicting such a notorious historical figure.

The Film’s Narrative and Context

Set in 1952, I Is Another features Claes Bang as Felix Kersten, Himmler’s former massage therapist. The narrative unfolds as journalist Hedda, played by Valerie Pachner, confronts Kersten about his claims of having liberated thousands of concentration camp prisoners through his influence with Himmler. Skeptical of Kersten’s self-heroization, Hedda seeks to expose the truth behind his assertions.

Casting Himmler: A Daunting Task

Randau described casting the role of Himmler as the most challenging aspect of the production. He sought an actor capable of embodying the character’s duplicitous nature. Many actors expressed reluctance to take on the role, fearing it would glorify an evil figure. Randau emphasized the importance of confronting evil in storytelling, arguing that neglecting it allows it to fester in society. He noted the rising influence of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, which has gained traction amid increasing anti-immigration sentiment and economic concerns.

Finding the Right Actor

In light of these challenges, Randau and casting director Suse Marquardt expanded their search and ultimately selected Müller, who is primarily known for his stage and television work. Randau expressed satisfaction with this choice, stating that Müller brought the necessary qualities to the role.

Müller joins a list of actors who have previously portrayed Himmler, including Stephen Graham in The Man With the Iron Heart (2017) and Eddie Marsan in The Exception (2016). Each actor has contributed to the complex legacy of this historical figure.

The Audition Process

Müller’s journey to securing the role began with an e-casting. After submitting his audition, he was invited to meet Randau in Munich. The director expressed confidence in Müller after their conversation, leading to his casting.

The Weight of the Role

Müller acknowledged the moral complexities of portraying Himmler, describing it as both horrifying and intriguing. He noted that while Himmler is a deeply flawed individual, such characters often provide rich material for actors. The film does not depict Himmler in the concentration camps; instead, it presents him through Kersten’s perspective, which may obscure the full extent of his atrocities.

Emotional Challenges During Filming

Certain scenes proved particularly difficult for Müller and his co-star, Bang. They grappled with discussing the logistics of saving Jewish lives, which felt dehumanizing. Müller remarked on Himmler’s lack of empathy, describing him as cold and calculating, viewing people merely as numbers in a horrific equation.

Lasting Impact of the Character

Müller reflected on the psychological toll of embodying such a character. He found it challenging to detach from the role after filming concluded. The physical transformation required for the character involved gaining weight, which he described as another layer of difficulty. He expressed concern over contemporary political issues, drawing parallels between past and present.

Researching Himmler

In preparing for the role, Müller intentionally avoided studying other portrayals of Himmler. He characterized Himmler as an uninteresting figure, lacking the extensive personal documentation available for other Nazi leaders. Müller focused on interpreting Himmler through his own lens, acknowledging the film’s narrative as a subjective retelling.

As reported by www.hollywoodreporter.com.

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Published on 2026-08-07 09:00:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk