Scorpions Biopic 'Wind of Change' Sets Theatrical Release Dates in Germany and North America

The feature film chronicling the legendary German rock band Scorpions has officially secured its theatrical release schedules across Europe and North America.

Published 4 November 2026

Theatrical Distribution Plans

The upcoming feature film Wind of Change, centered around the iconic German rock band Scorpions, has officially locked in its theatrical distribution paths. Fox Entertainment Studios and Ali Afshar's ESX Entertainment are bringing the project to audiences, with Roadside Attractions handling the North American theatrical rollout scheduled for March.

Before the film arrives in North American cinemas, it will first premiere in the band's home country. Warner Bros. Germany is set to distribute the picture across German theatres in January, giving local fans the very first look at the biographical drama.

Tracing Roots and Historical Impact

The narrative arc of the movie follows the group's journey beginning from its formation roots in 1965 through its eventual climb to international superstardom. A central theme of the project focuses on how the musicians managed to bridge the cultural divide between East and West, bringing rock and roll music behind the Iron Curtain.

The title itself is directly inspired by the band's massive 1991 power ballad, which emerged as a defining musical anthem signalling the end of the Cold War. The track served as a powerful symbol of hope, peace, and unity following a turbulent period that included a failed coup attempt against Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev by Communist Party hardliners.

Global Success and Iconic Soundtrack

Upon its original release, the title single achieved staggering worldwide success, topping international music charts and accumulating global sales of 14 million copies. The film's musical backdrop will also feature several of the group's other enduring classics, including 'Rock You Like a Hurricane' and 'Still Loving You'.

Over their decades-long career, the Scorpions have successfully sold more than 110 million albums worldwide, solidifying their reputation as one of the most successful musical exports to ever emerge from Germany.

Cast and Creative Team

The biographical drama features a talented ensemble cast portraying the real-life musicians and key figures of the era. Alexander Dreymon steps into the role of lead and rhythm guitarist Rudolf Schenker, while Ludwig Trepte takes on the character of frontman Klaus Meine.

Additionally, Ed Speleers portrays lead guitarist Matthias Jabs, and Luke Brandon Field appears as drummer Herman Rarebell. The production also features Dominic West as renowned music manager Doc McGhee and David Kross as Andrej, an imprisoned friend of the band residing on the opposite side of the Berlin Wall.

Production and Behind-The-Scenes Leadership

Behind the camera, the film is guided by director Alex Ranarivelo working from a script written by Mark Andrews. The production effort is a collaborative endeavor between Fox Entertainment Studios and ESX Entertainment, partnering alongside Warner Bros.

The roster of producers steering the project includes ESX Entertainment's Ali Afshar, Christina Moore, and Daniel Aspromonte. They are joined on the production team by Fox Entertainment Studios representatives Fernando Szew, Hannah Pillemer, Ani Kevork, and Larry Grimaldi.

Studio Perspectives on the Project

Executives from the studios involved have expressed great enthusiasm for the film's unique cultural message and broad theatrical appeal. Prentiss Fraser, president of Fox Entertainment Global, highlighted that the band's ambitions stretched far beyond standard fame into fostering profound global change.

Roadside Attractions co-presidents Howard Cohen and Eric d'Arbeloff echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that while the group's hits defined the MTV generation, the extraordinary tale of taking music beyond the Iron Curtain demonstrates how artists can genuinely inspire people to alter the course of the world.

News Overview

The biographical feature film Wind of Change will debut in German cinemas in January through Warner Bros. Germany before arriving in North American theatres in March via Roadside Attractions. Directed by Alex Ranarivelo and starring actors such as Alexander Dreymon and Ludwig Trepte, the movie chronicles the Scorpions from their 1965 roots to international stardom behind the Iron Curtain.

Key facts

  • Wind of Change is a feature film about the German rock band Scorpions.
  • The film is produced by Fox Entertainment Studios and Ali Afshar's ESX Entertainment.
  • Roadside Attractions is distributing the film in North America in March.
  • Warner Bros. Germany is distributing the film in Germany in January.
  • The movie follows the band from its roots in 1965.
  • The film's title comes from the Scorpions' 1991 power ballad.
  • The single sold 14 million copies worldwide.
  • The film features the songs 'Rock You Like a Hurricane' and 'Still Loving You'.
  • Alex Ranarivelo is the director of the film.
  • Mark Andrews is the writer of the film.
  • Alexander Dreymon stars as Rudolf Schenker.
  • Ludwig Trepte stars as Klaus Meine.
  • Ed Speleers stars as Matthias Jabs.
  • Luke Brandon Field stars as Herman Rarebell.
  • Dominic West portrays music manager Doc McGhee.
  • David Kross plays Andrej.
  • The Scorpions have sold more than 110 million albums worldwide.