Josh Gad to Lead New Holocaust Biopic Helmed by Woman in Gold Director Simon Curtis marks a major new entry in prestige historical cinema, with Gad taking on one of the most haunting true stories from the Nazi era.
Josh Gad is set to portray Kurt Gerron, a celebrated Jewish actor and filmmaker who was among the brightest stars of pre-Nazi Germany. Unlike contemporaries such as Marlene Dietrich and Fritz Lang, Gerron chose not to flee the country after Adolf Hitler rose to power—a decision that would ultimately seal his tragic fate.
Gerron was later deported to the Jewish ghetto of Theresienstadt, also known as Terezin. There, his fame preceded him. The camp’s commander, an admirer of Gerron’s work, recognized him and coerced the artist into directing a propaganda film designed to falsely depict the ghetto as a place of humane living conditions for Jews under Nazi rule. The project became a chilling example of how art was manipulated in one of history’s darkest chapters.
Speaking about the film, Gad emphasized its urgency and relevance. He described the project as one that audiences around the world will deeply engage with, noting that its themes resonate more strongly today than they have in decades. Gad added that he was drawn to filmmaking to spark meaningful conversations, and he believes this story does exactly that.
Director Simon Curtis echoed that sentiment, praising the screenplay and calling Gad the ideal choice for the lead role. Curtis expressed a deep personal commitment to telling Gerron’s story, highlighting how it underscores the critical importance of art during times of oppression. According to the director, the film’s themes grow more essential with each passing day.
Curtis, known for acclaimed projects such as My Week with Marilyn and Goodbye Christopher Robin, will direct from a script written by Ehud Lavski and Alon Gur Arye. The film is being produced by Talia Kleinhendler and Osnat Handelsman Keren of Pie Films, whose recent credits include Oscar-nominated works like The Lost Daughter and The Kindergarten Teacher, as well as Maggie Gyllenhaal’s upcoming The Bride!.
International sales will be handled by Rocket Science, with the project set to be introduced to buyers at the European Film Market in Berlin. Domestic rights are being jointly represented by CAA Media Finance and WME Independent. Titled Gerron’s Last Film, the production is scheduled to begin filming in the third quarter of this year.
Outside this project, Gad has been keeping busy with a wide range of high-profile work. He recently wrapped Spaceballs 2, which he co-wrote, produced, and stars in alongside Mel Brooks. He also voices a new character in Disney’s highly anticipated animated sequel Zootopia 2. Meanwhile, Curtis recently enjoyed box-office success with Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale, which surpassed $100 million in global earnings.
Gad is represented by CAA and Range Media Partners, while Curtis is represented by Independent Talent Group, UTA, and Anonymous Content. Pie Films is represented by WME and Hannah Leader.
