Maybe it’s a case of filmmakers fearing the costly legal repercussions, but fashion biopics seem few and far between. Often, it’s only in death that the industry’s greatest minds get immortalised on screen (see House of Gucci, Halston and Saint Laurent, for example, and the forthcoming Coco Chanel series on Apple TV+). Now the next legend to receive such treatment has been announced: Karl Lagerfeld, the late designer behind Chanel and Fendi. Alongside the Jared Leto-starring movie currently in the works, his life will also be the subject of a new Disney+ series, titled Kaiser Karl, set to drop this year.
Currently shooting in Europe, the TV series has already cast its stars, including the actor set to play the lead part, and is expected to be a grand production with over 40 different sets and 3,000 costumes, 160 of which will be created from scratch. Sounds camp!
So what part of Karl Lagerfeld’s life will the series cover? Who is playing him in the project? And when, exactly, will it be on our screens? Here’s everything we know so far.
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What is Kaiser Karl about?
Set mainly in 70s Paris, Kaiser Karl will follow Karl Lagerfeld’s career and personal life, starting with his early years at Fendi (he joined the house in 1967) and Chloé before eventually joining and revitalising Chanel in 1982. Of course, throughout this time period, there were his rumoured romances and rivalries, and iconic friendships too. There was his 18-year relationship with Jacques de Bascher, his beef with Saint Laurent co-founder Pierre Bergé and, of course, the jovial company he kept, from Marlene Dietrich to Andy Warhol. All are set to appear in the programme, which Variety reports will capture the campy glamour and excess of 70s France as well as queer subcultures of the period.
Who plays Karl Lagerfeld in Kaiser Karl?
Daniel Brühl, the German actor perhaps known best for his stint in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and more recently for his role in the Oscar-nominated All Quiet on the Western Front, will be playing Karl in the TV series. While Jared Leto has been attached to a film adaptation of Karl’s life, it’s thought this series will arrive first.
Who else is in the cast of Kaiser Karl?
The cast is already quite heavy: Théodore Pellerin, star of Never Rarely Sometimes Always, will appear as Karl’s lover Jacques de Bascher; Arnaud Valois, from the heartbreaking 120BPM, as Yves Saint Laurent; Alex Lutz as Pierre Bergé; Agnès Jaoui as Chloé founder Gaby Aghion; Sunnyi Melles as Marlene Dietrich; Jeanne Damas as Paloma Picasso and Paul Spera as Andy Warhol.
Who is behind the camera?
Variety reports that famed French director Jérôme Salle, the writer behind the Angelina Jolie thriller The Tourist (2010), will helm the series as the “artistic mastermind” and direct half the episodes, while the rest will be directed by young filmmaker Audrey Estrougo.
Where is Kaiser Karl shooting?
The TV show is currently shooting in France, Monaco and Italy, with over 2,000 extras apparently working on it. That should give you an idea of its scale!
When will it be released?
No exact release date, but the six-episode show is expected to be released later this year on Disney+.