It’s been a while since his last German comedy, Matthias Schweighöfer (41) is currently concentrating on his international career. He can currently be seen on Netflix in the film “The Swimmers”. Based on a true story, the sports drama shows Yusra (24) and Sarah Mardini fleeing their home country of Syria. With their talent for swimming, the two rescue people who fled with them on a boat – and in the end make it to the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio.
Schweighöfer takes over the role of swimming coach Sven, who supports the two. “It’s an incredible story,” enthuses Schweighöfer in an interview with the news agency spot on news and also talks about his future acting future. “I would like to do a few more films with my wife Ruby O. Fee,” he continues. He could also imagine another comedy. “At the moment I haven’t found a good comedy book, though.”
Matthias Schweighöfer: I got a Bambi in 2016 for my film “Schlussmacher”. The sisters were then awarded the Bambi for “Silent Heroes”. That was the year I heard the story for the first time and was deeply impressed. Five years later, my American agent called me and told me that a film was being made about their story. I knew immediately that I wanted to be there.
Schweighöfer: Yes, of course. It’s an incredible story because it’s really real life and it’s so touching. The two are heroines and have saved lives. I thought at the time, “And I made a funny movie about a breakup agent.” (laughs)
Schweighöfer: Yusra and I were in New York at the UN Security Council. That’s where I noticed that she’s a real power woman. Through sport you can create an incredible mindset. It is very touching to see how much power the Mardini sisters have.
Schweighöfer: On the contrary, I love to prepare for films as well. It was a pity that I only stood there in my tracksuit. On the other hand, my own swimming skills are rather poor.
Before the shooting I met the real coach Sven Spanekrebs. He led me through the “Water Friends Spandau 04” facility. It was interesting to find out why he took such an interest in girls and how it is generally to support young people and prepare them for life. The coach I played coached me.
Schweighöfer: We shot a scene in Berlin. Yusra was in all the swimming scenes and that was very funny because her name was Yusra one and the actress was Yusra two. Of course, that was funny to her.
Schweighöfer: It was important that we could tell the film and make the film. But I always try not to get too caught up when I go home. A bit of distance is also part of it, otherwise you are only subjective.
Schweighöfer: Of course, evil roles are also fun. In general, though, it’s easier to make an audience cry than it is to choreograph a good rhythm in a comedy so that you can make 1,000 people in a hall laugh. But that’s exactly what I’ve always enjoyed because I wanted to make films for an audience. It was a conscious decision and has always inspired me.
Schweighöfer: I love comedy. And if at some point I see a good script that’s so funny that I really want to do it, then I’ll do it. I haven’t found a good comedy book yet.
Schweighöfer: Stay healthy. Live responsibly and be mindful.
Schweighöfer: With a lot. I would like to do a few more films with my wife Ruby O. Fee. I find that fun. I would also like to work with Jennifer Lawrence, Al Pacino or Steven Spielberg.
Schweighöfer: We have a house in Los Angeles. Luckily we are allowed to travel back and forth and experience energies from Europe and America. Americans are always the first to give the big idea a chance. This commuting is great fun and broadens the horizon.
Schweighöfer: I have two children at home who say I’m not cool. Jimmy Fallon was on my bucket list. He is the father of two children and a very down to earth person. Being aloof is a totally unhealthy thing. This has nothing to do with mindfulness. We will all be buried in the same earth, there is no difference.
Schweighöfer: I work through the years. i love to work My job is often to sit down, read and have ideas. That’s cool between the years.
Schweighöfer: Next comes “Oppenheimer” by Christopher Nolan, then “Heart of Stone” with Gal Gadot and then “Milli Vanilli”.
