Josh Gad to Star in Holocaust Drama Gerron’s Last Film Directed by Simon Curtis
Josh Gad, the Grammy-winning actor known for a wide range of work from animated blockbusters to dramatic roles, has signed on to lead the cast of a new historical film titled Gerron’s Last Film. The drama will be directed by acclaimed British filmmaker Simon Curtis, whose credits include Woman in Gold and Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale.
At the center of the project is the remarkable true story of Kurt Gerron, a celebrated Jewish actor and director in pre-Nazi Germany. Gerron was a prominent figure in the cultural life of the 1920s and 1930s, known for his stage and screen work, including the original performance of “Mack the Knife” in The Threepenny Opera. Unlike many of his contemporaries who fled the rise of Adolf Hitler, Gerron remained in Germany — a decision that would lead to his imprisonment and tragic fate under the Nazi regime.
A Story of Art, Survival and Moral Complexity
The film centers on the harrowing period when Gerron was held in the Theresienstadt (Terezin) Ghetto, where Nazi authorities compelled him to direct a propaganda film supposed to show the outside world that Jewish life in the camps was “humane.” Faced with impossible choices, Gerron used his skills to try to bring moments of dignity and humanity to fellow prisoners, even as he was forced to work within a brutal system. Gad’s portrayal is expected to capture both the artistic brilliance and the moral complexity of Gerron’s life during that era.
Gad, whose career spans roles in live-action films such as Murder on the Orient Express and voice work in Frozen, spoke about the project’s significance, highlighting its relevance. He said the film’s themes “are more relevant today than they have been in decades,” and emphasized his belief that films like this can spark important conversations about history, art, and resilience.
Creative Team and Production Details
Simon Curtis, the film’s director, has a strong track record with biographical and historical dramas. His previous work often blends personal storytelling with broader historical contexts, making him a natural fit for Gerron’s story. The script was penned by Ehud Lavski and Alon Gur Arye, and the film is produced by Talia Kleinhendler and Osnat Handelsman Keren through Pie Films’ newly launched UK office.
Production is planned to begin in late 2026, with filming scheduled to take place in locations across Germany and the Czech Republic — countries intimately tied to Gerron’s life and the history the film will depict. Rocket Science will represent the film internationally, and domestic rights are being co-handled by CAA Media Finance and WME Independent.
A Potentially Resonant Historical Drama
Gerron’s Last Film is shaping up to be one of the more ambitious historical projects of the year, blending real-life drama, moral complexity, and the cinematic talents of both Gad and Curtis. Given its subject matter and the talent attached, industry observers suggest it may generate awards consideration and significant festival interest once completed.
The story of Kurt Gerron, once a star of Weimar-era German culture and later a prisoner forced into propaganda work, stands as a poignant reminder of the dangers faced by artists under totalitarian regimes — and the complicated legacy that those decisions can leave behind.
