Martin Müller Discusses Portraying Heinrich Himmler in ‘I Is Another’

In simple terms, Martin Müller, the German actor, has revealed his experience portraying Heinrich Himmler, a key architect of the Holocaust, in the upcoming film I Is Another. This film, directed by Felix Randau, has its world premiere at the 79th Locarno Film Festival on August 7, 2026. Müller emphasizes that playing such a dark figure comes with immense responsibility and emotional challenges.

The narrative set in 1952 focuses on Felix Kersten, played by Claes Bang, Himmler's former massage therapist, as he navigates complex moral dilemmas, raising questions about truth and heroism. While Kersten boasts about aiding concentration camp prisoners, journalist Hedda (portrayed by Valerie Pachner) is skeptical of his claims, adding layers of intrigue to the storyline, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Challenges of Portraying Heinrich Himmler

Müller's portrayal of Himmler is a significant undertaking for an actor, especially given the historical atrocities he represents. Director Felix Randau explained the difficulty in casting this role, stating that many actors hesitated, fearing they would be giving undue attention to a villain. Randau insists that confronting evil is crucial, claiming that ignoring it allows it to fester. This perspective has gained resonance amid the rise of far-right sentiments in contemporary German politics.

“Casting the role of Himmler proved to be the production’s toughest challenge,” Randau noted. He eventually found that Müller brought a unique depth to the character, critical for presenting a nuanced interpretation of such a notorious figure. Today, audiences are eager to see how Müller navigates these complexities on-screen.

The Emotional Toll of the Role

For Müller, taking on the persona of Heinrich Himmler is steeped in personal reflection. He considers the character simultaneously horrifying and intriguing, confessing that the portrayal weighed heavily on him during and after filming. “It’s horrible to take on that role, but on the other hand, it’s an interesting person,” he explained. In filming scenes where Himmler coldly discusses the fate of thousands, Müller found himself grappling with the ethical implications of their conversations, underscoring the stark contrast between the human element and the statistical coldness of Himmler’s actions.

“I kept thinking, what are politicians doing nowadays? Oh my God!” he reflected on the lasting impact of embodying such a chilling character. This highlights how fiction often blurs the lines with current realities, making the film relevant in today’s political context.

Researching Himmler’s Character

In preparing for his role, Müller chose not to study previous portrayals of Himmler by other actors, finding the figure inherently uninteresting due to the lack of personal material available about him. Instead, he focused on crafting his interpretation based on director Randau’s vision, emphasizing that his performance does not necessarily convey the 'true' Himmler but rather Kersten's perspective, which adds layers of uncertainty to the narrative.

Müller also had to adapt physically for the role, gaining weight at the director's request. This transformation further contributed to his ability to embody Himmler's character authentically, enhancing the portrayal’s psychological complexities.

In contrast to depictions of prominent Nazi figures like Hitler or Goebbels, whose lives are more documented, Müller noted, “We have no private recordings to know how he was talking when not giving a speech.” This absence of historical personal context required a different approach to the character and led to a unique artistic interpretation that could resonate with viewers today.

What this means

The importance of I Is Another extends beyond its narrative, offering a timely commentary on how society engages with the legacy of figures like Himmler. With the rise of right-wing politics in Germany, Randau's insistence on confronting historical evil is a reminder of the implications for contemporary audiences. Müller’s role in the film stands not just as a performance, but also as a reflection on the moral responsibilities inherent in storytelling about dark periods in history.

The film is positioned to provoke thought and spark dialogue about how we engage with the past and its reverberations in the present, making it one of the most anticipated premieres of the festival season.

For more movie insights, consider checking out The Devil's Mouth: A Singular Shark Thriller Experience and Reviving Quibi: HBO Max Shorts and Series Worth Another Chance.