EXCLUSIVE: ESX Entertainment‘s new biopic about the Scorpions, the German band whose music defined an end to the Cold War and a bridge to peace at the time, has set its cast with Dominic West (The Crown), Alexander Dreymon (The Last Kingdom), Ludwig Trepte (Generation War), Ed Speleers (You), David Kross (The Reader) and Luke Brandon Field (Interview with the Vampire, Jojo Rabbit). Cameras are rolling at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden in London for a theatrical release this year.
In addition, we’ve learned that FOX Entertainment Global has worldwide distribution rights, excluding U.S. and global transactiontional which Warner Bros Discovery Global Content Sales will manage.
Directed by Alex Ranarivelo and produced by ESX Entertainment for FOX Entertainment Studios in association with Warner Bros. Home Entertainment, Wind of Change is a music biopic chronicling the incredible journey of the legendary rock group the Scorpions, with the longest-running and most successful line-up of the band including guitarist Rudolf Schenker (Dreymon), Klaus Meine (Trepte), Matthias Jab (Speleers) and drummer Herman Rarebell (Field). It tells the story of a band united by their passion for music, who sought to inspire change in the world through their powerful sound and meaningful lyrics. At the heart of the film is their iconic anthem “Wind of Change,” which became the soundtrack to the end of the Cold War, symbolizing hope, peace and unity. Through their music, with hits ranging from “Rock You Like a Hurricane” to “Still Loving You,” the Scorpions helped bridge the divide between East and West, leaving an indelible mark on history and proving the transformative power of art. West is set to play Doc McGhee, the Scorpions famous music manager and Kross will star as Andrej, the band’s imprisoned friend on the other side of the Berlin wall.
“It’s been an unbelievable journey developing this film and bringing it to life feels surreal” says Ali Afshar, Founder and President of ESX Entertainment. “Not only did the Scorpions’ music help me get through tremendous difficulties as an Iranian immigrant in America in the early 80’s, but their message of love, peace and rock ‘n’ roll seems more relevant today than ever. This cast is an amazing ensemble of truly great talent. I can’t thank FOX Entertainment and Warner Bros. Home Entertainment enough for their support and especially the band — Rudolf, Klaus and Matthias — for believing in us and trusting us to tell their life story.”
The Scorpions have built a remarkable legacy as one of the most enduring rock bands of the past fifty years. With 110 million albums sold worldwide, they remain one of Germany’s most successful musical exports. Their breakout hits like “Rock You Like a Hurricane” and “Wind of Change” continue to resonate, the latter surpassing one billion streams across platforms and remaining a cultural touchstone. Even today, their music regularly appears on rock radio and streaming playlists, and they continue to tour globally. Their staying power has earned them a lasting place in rock history.
Wind of Change is produced by ESX Entertainment’s Ali Afshar, Christina Moore and Daniel Aspromonte for FOX Entertainment Studios in association with Warner Bros. Home Entertainment. The film is written by Mark Andrews and directed by Alex Ranarivelo. FOX Entertainment Global retains worldwide distribution rights excluding U.S. and Global transactional rights, which Warner Bros. Discovery Global Content Sales will manage.
