"The Enchanted Schoolyard" Hits Small Screens: Germany's Biggest Film Sensation of 2024
Launch of the Most Popular German TV Show in 2024 - Anticipated TV Premiere of Germany's Biggest Chart-Topper in 2024
If you've been keeping tabs on German cinema, you know they're making waves in genres you least expect. But the real winner in the imagination game is children's films. Since 2021, one film geared for the little ones has claimed the crown as the most-watched German cinema film each year.
"The Enchanted Schoolyard 3" reeled in a massive audience of around three million Germans in 2024. The runner-up? A spin-off of the popular "Fack ju Göhte" series, "Chantal in Fairyland." The previous years' champions? The first two parts of "The Enchanted Schoolyard," of course.
Now, this beloved film has expanded its reach. Catch "The Enchanted Schoolyard 3" on the small screen with its TV premiere on June 13, 2025, at 20:15 on Sky Cinema Premiere. Additionally, it will be streaming in the Wow subscription.
Nature Lover versus Fashionista: The Adventure of "The Enchanted Schoolyard 3"
If you've missed out on the big screen magic of "The Enchanted Schoolyard," here's a quick rundown: Students at Winterstein School work with magical creatures. Not all at once, but one by one. These creatures can communicate with children and offer valuable lessons.
In "The Enchanted Schoolyard 3", Ida (Emilia Maier) rallies her classmates to protect the local forest for Forest Day. To her surprise, the class bully Helene (Emilia Pieske) expresses enthusiasm for it. However, a fashion show by Helene's idol Maja Malakara is scheduled on the same day at the Natural History Museum. Exclusive reports from this event would skyrocket Helene's online fame...
Helene's Unfolding Character
Every part of the movie adaptation of Margit Auer's (58) children's book series provides a different spotlight character. Spotlight's on Helene this time. After playing the mean girl in the first two installments, she gets a chance to reveal more facets: Helene is not only driven by a desire for attention, but she's also trying to help her financially struggling parents. Plus, Helene's magical creature, a Parisian cat named Karajan, has a preference for luxury.
Joining the cast as a new character is Silas (Luis Vorbach). Silas is a dinosaur enthusiast who is infatuated with Helene but feels unworthy unless he can impress her with designer clothes. Silas' magical creature, the vegan crocodile Rick, steals a dinosaur bone from the Natural History Museum to help with his scheme.
In "The Enchanted Schoolyard 3", fresh-faced actor Vorbach ("Alfons Zitterbacke - Finally Class Trip!") joins the original young cast, consisting of Maier, Pieske, and Loris Sichrovsky as Jo. Critics have commented on the age of the actors, all nearing 20, which some find poses a challenge when giving advice from talking animals. Furthermore, for the first time, the theme of love is introduced in the film. Silas has feelings for Helene, while Isa and Jo become closer.
Among the grown-ups, there's a combination of familiar faces and newcomers. Justus von Dohnányi (64) returns as Headmaster Heribert Siegmann, while Milan Peschel (57) portrays Mortimer. Marleen Lohse (41) continues her role as Elvira, Ida's mother.
Take note that newcomer Christina Große (54) replaces Nadja Uhl (53) as Headmistress Miss Cornfield due to scheduling conflicts. Fresh faces include comedian Meltem Kaptan (44) as the museum director and YouTuber Freshtorge (36).
Voice actor Ralf Schmitz lends his voice to the cat Karajan, while Felix Kramer voices Rick, the vegan crocodile. Well-known voices from Rick Kavanian, Axel Stein, Max von der Groeben, Katharina Thalbach, and Sophie Rois can also be heard in part 3.
Rich Legacy Awaits: The Origin of "The Enchanted Schoolyard"
"The Enchanted Schoolyard" films stem from the bestselling children's books by Margit Auer. In 2023, six titles of the series ranked amongst the top ten on Spiegel's annual bestseller list for children's books. Seven years after its start, the series encompasses 15 books. There's also a spin-off series "Finally Holidays" boasting nine books and six books from "The Enchanted Schoolyard Investigates" for beginning readers.
With "The Enchanted Schoolyard 4" set to hit cinemas on October 2, 2025, it appears the well of enchantment far from running dry.
In the world of movies and television, "The Enchanted Schoolyard 3" will air on Sky Cinema Premiere on June 13, 2025, following its big screen success in 2024. This film, based on Margit Auer's popular children's book series, is not only a hit in German cinemas but also in the entertainment sector, with its upcoming TV premiere and streaming availability on Wow subscription.
In the third installment, the spotlight character is Helene, who is portrayed by Emilia Pieske. Helene's journey in "The Enchanted Schoolyard 3" reveals her as a complex character, driven by a desire for attention and trying to help her struggling parents, all while navigating a budding romance with Silas, a dinosaur enthusiast, in the magical world of the enchanted schoolyard.
