Matthias Schweighöfer: "They call me the Justin Timberlake of Germany..."

Lockdown is lockdown wherever you are in the world. 

"In Germany," notes actor Matthias Schweighöfer, "people are stocking up on a lot of toilet paper." 

Proof, if it were needed, that more unites us as a species than divides us. 

Schweighöfer recently fulfilled a long-held ambition by working with Zack Synder on Army of the Dead. 

Next up, Steven Spielberg, and an Academy Award...?

We wouldn't bet against it.  

All the best to Schweighöfer and our German cousins – hopefully we'll see each other soon...

Life

What upcoming project(s) are you most excited about?

I can’t wait for “Army of the Dead” on Netflix! The film is directed by Zack Snyder and stars Dave Bautista, Ella Purnell and of course me ☺.

I also can’t wait to see my film “Resistance” on the big screen. I also have some upcoming projects I’m really excited about but can’t talk about just yet.

What is your proudest professional accomplishment?

I have to say I am always proud of my work, but in the last year, I was able to be a part of some English-speaking movies.

I am especially proud of “Army of the Dead” because I’ve always wanted to work with Zack. It was an amazing experience.

 If you could change one thing about your career, what would it be?

If I could change one thing about my career, I would’ve wanted to spend more time in America!

And yeah… I would go for having a green card.

What do you hope to achieve that you haven’t yet?

I want to do more in the US and globally with the stories that reflect my historical background, and with the stories I want to tell as a director.

It would also be awesome to work with Steven Spielberg, and maybe even receive an Oscar.

Outside of your family, who is / was your biggest inspiration?

My biggest inspirations are Al Pacino, Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese and Johnny Depp.

Tell us something nobody knows about you…

I’m a great dancer! They call me the Justin Timberlake of Germany… Maybe not.

Philipp Gladsome

Lockdown

How are you finding lockdown?

It’s an interesting and uncertain time but I am really thankful for the time I get to spend with my family and how much I get to learn about them.

Best thing about lockdown?

The best thing about lockdown is having the time to do the things I’ve never done before.

Worst thing about lockdown?

The worst thing about lockdown is having too much time to do the things I’ve never done before.

Top tip for surviving lockdown?

In Germany, and all across the world people are stocking up on a lot of toilet paper so I guess my top survival tip to surviving lockdown in Germany is to have a lot of toilet paper at home.

Don’t ask me why...

If you could be locked down with one person, alive or dead, who would it be?

Jimmy Fallon! We could sing some songs together and maybe dance around.

What are you most looking forward to doing once lockdown is over?

I think I would go to a restaurant and sit outside, and watch the people run through the streets without having to wear a face mask.