Daniel Brühl (All Quiet on the Western Front, Captain America: Civil War) is set to star as the late fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld in the upcoming Disney+ Original series titled “Kaiser Karl.”
The six-part drama series is based on the biography of the same name by Raphaëlle Bacqué who is attached to the series alongside writers Isaure Pisani-Ferry (Vampires) and Jennifer Have (Unfaithful).
“Kaiser Karl” will chronicle the rise of Karl Lagerfeld through the world of 1970s Parisian high fashion. In 1972, a 38-year-old Karl Lagerfeld aspired to become the most famous French fashion designer, at a time when Yves Saint Laurent reigned supreme. Lagerfeld went on to become the head designer and creative director of Chanel, Fendi and his own label.
Variety reports the series will also explore the rivalry between Lagerfeld and Yves Saint Laurent’s partner Pierre Berge, as well as his love story with Jacques de Bascher. Along with depicting the clan rivalries and ego battles of the high fashion world, the series will also portray the epic partying and decadence, tragic love affairs and friendships which marked Lagerfeld’s life.
The cast also includes Théodore Pellerin (It’s Only the End of the World) as Jacques de Bascher; Arnaud Valois (BPM (Beats per Minute) as Yves Saint Laurent; Alex Lutz (Guy) as Pierre Bergé; and Agnès Jaoui (The Taste of Others) as Gaby Aghion, the founder of the Chloé brand who helped elevate Lagerfeld.
French director, Jérôme Salle (Kompromat, Totems is set to direct Episodes 1, 2 and 6, while up-and-coming director Audrey Estrougo (Authentik, Héroïnes) will helm the other three.
According to Disney+, “Kaiser Karl” will feature more than 2,200 extras, over 40 different sets and some 3,000 costumes, 160 of which will be created from scratch.
The series is currently filming in France, Monaco and Italy. A Disney+ release date has not been announced yet.
Source: Variety