From the Stage to Hollywood: Volker Zack Grabs a Role in Wes Anderson's New Film
Actor from Dresden stars in fresh Volker Zack-directed movie, landing him a spot in Tinseltown.
Who wouldn't want a spot on a Wes Anderson set? Volker Zack, a familiar face from Dresden's theater scene, has done just that - twice, and with both legs still in place!
Penned by Uwe Blümel
Wes Anderson, the star director hailing from Texas and residing in Paris, seems to have been born for the silver screen - grandiose visuals, intricate plots, and vibrant hues that radiate on the big screen. Landing a role in an Anderson film is the stuff of dreams for many actors. Guess who's landed those roles? Dresden native Volker Zack (54), known for his roles in Feuerzangenbowle and Olsen Gang productions.
When the call comes from Wes Anderson, Hollywood heavyweights couldn't be more awestruck. Even Oscar winners like Benicio del Toro (58), Tom Hanks (68), Scarlett Johansson (40), and Tilda Swinton (64) rush to take part. Oliver Haas (56) from Kling talent agency, who manages Zack, shares his thoughts: "Being casted by Wes Anderson is like being knighted—stars even forgo high fees for it."
Volker Zack is one Dresden-based talent Haas has under his wing. He's appeared in Anderson's Grand Budapest Hotel and Quentin Tarantino's Inglourious Basterds.
The Call from Anderson: A Story of Persistence
According to Zack, he initially declined Anderson's offer when he called for a new film in 2024, The Phoenixian Masterstroke. “I couldn't because I had to fulfill a promise to a fellow actor, Lars Dietrich, to play a DJ named Sandro in Machos on Ice at the Comedy Dresden theater," Zack recalls.
However, Zack's peers encouraged him to take on Anderson's role offer. The actor, therefore, recorded a casting video at home with his mother and sent it to Anderson. Wearing his old leather jacket that read "Swords to Plowshares," Zack successfully secured his place in Anderson's film.
A Liftboy with a Secret
In the upcoming spy thriller, Zack plays a liftboy assassin who swallows a lethal pill and meets his demise. Filming took place in Potsdam-Babelsberg studios, with Zack donning a custom-made liftboy suit and frequenting makeup sessions up to three times. Wes Anderson, known for his meticulous directing, directed Zack to perform the scene involving his untimely death an astounding 30 to 40 times until Zack was fully immersed in the character. The stunt team even arranged a softer mat for Zack to fall on.
Despite the demanding scene, the bonds forged on set remained strong. "Anderson maintains a family-like atmosphere on set and has a great affinity for detail," Zack praises.
In the Eye of the Beholder
The Phoenixian Masterstroke is poised to set screens ablaze with its jaw-dropping visuals, reminiscent of Anderson's previous masterpieces. The film is the latest addition to Anderson's long and illustrious career. Fans can catch Zack alongside A-list stars like Scarlett Johansson (40), Tom Hanks (68), Benedict Cumberbatch (48), and Rupert Friend (43) when the film debuts.
The film tells a tense father-daughter story and made its premiere at Cannes Film Festival, earning a Palme d'Or nomination.
From Zack to Volker Jablinski
Born in Dresden as Volker Jablinski, Zack adopted the name "Volker" only for official purposes. Teachers and friends have called him "Zack" since high school, a nickname inspired by the opera Hoffmann's Tales. Though the exact reasoning behind this is unclear, Zack shares: "By the way, my birth name can only be called 'Mom' by me today!"
[1] https://instagram.com/volkerzack[2] https://www.comodiedresden.de/theaterprogramm/[3] https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0823048/
Engaging in the world of movies and TV is a dream come true for many, especially when it involves working with acclaimed directors like Wes Anderson. In an extraordinary turn of events, Volker Zack, a well-known figure in the German theater scene, has been cast in not one but two projects directed by Anderson - a feat that even Hollywood's biggest celebrities like Scarlett Johansson, Tom Hanks, and Tilda Swinton strive for. The entertainment industry continues to be captivated by Anderson's inventive visuals, captivating narratives, and the magnetic appeal of his stars.
