EXCLUSIVE: Wind of Change, the feature film about German rock band Scorpions from Fox Entertainment Studios and Ali Afshar’s ESX Entertainment, is now getting a theatrical release via Roadside Attractions in North America in March.
The U.S. debut will follow the film’s January theatrical release in the band’s home country, distributed by Warner Bros. Germany.
The film, which we first reported, follows the group from its roots in 1965 through its rise to international stardom, bridging the divide between East and West and bringing rock ‘n’ roll behind the Iron Curtain. The pic’s title comes from the Scorpions‘ 1991 power ballad, which became a defining song to end the Cold War, symbolizing hope, peace and unity. It was released after a failed coup by the Soviet Union’s Communist Party hardliners, who tried to take control of the USSR from Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev, a move that would lead to the end of the Soviet Union. The single topped charts around the globe and sold 14 million copies worldwide.
Wind of Change also features the band’s enduring hits including “Rock You Like a Hurricane” and “Still Loving You.”
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Directed by Alex Ranarivelo and written by Mark Andrews, Wind of Change stars Alexander Dreymon (The Last Kingdom) as lead and rhythm guitarist Rudolf Schenker, Ludwig Trepte (Generation War) as frontman Klaus Meine, Ed Speleers (You) as lead guitarist Matthias Jabs and Luke Brandon Field as drummer Herman Rarebell. Dominic West portrays Doc McGhee, the band’s renowned music manager, while David Kross plays Andrej, the Scorpions’ imprisoned friend on the other side of the Berlin Wall.
“The Scorpions remain true global rock stars, continuing to sell out venues around the world, from their native Germany to Mexico and the U.S., while their music continues to resonate across generations,” said Prentiss Fraser, president of Fox Entertainment Global. “Wind of Change captures the compelling journey of a band whose ambitions extended far beyond fame — whose music crossed borders and bridged political divides, inspiring profound change. It is a film with iconic music, a powerful story that can connect with viewers well beyond the band’s longtime fans and the scale and energy of a major theatrical experience — one we’re proud to bring to audiences alongside our great partners at Roadside Attractions and Warner Bros. Germany.”
Said Roadside Attractions co-presidents Howard Cohen and Eric d’Arbeloff: “The Scorpions’ iconic hits helped define the MTV generation, but few know the extraordinary story of their dream to take their music beyond the Iron Curtain. What makes their story so powerful today is their belief that artists can inspire people to change the world.”
The Scorpions have sold more than 110 million albums worldwide and remain one of Germany’s most successful musical exports.
Wind of Change is a Fox Entertainment Studios film, produced by ESX Entertainment in association with Warner Bros. Pic is produced by ESX Entertainment’s Afshar, Christina Moore and Daniel Aspromonte, as well as Fox Entertainment Studios’ Fernando Szew, Hannah Pillemer, Ani Kevork and Larry Grimaldi, in association with Warner Bros.