When it comes to the most successful German/German-speaking films of all time, you come up with names like Michael “Bully” Herbig (Manitou’s shoe, (T)Starship Surprise – Period 1), Harald Reinl (WinnetouThe Treasure of Silver Lake), Otto Waalkes, Elyas M’Barek (Fack Ju Göthe) and Til Schweiger (Honey in the head, no-ear bunnies) not over. The latter mostly occupies the small celebrity stage in Germany with controversy instead of with his 0815 works, but for 2023 there is something very special at Schweiger: the 90s cult film Manta, Manta gets a sequel 30 years later and thus brings the great “Legacy Sequel” high-flying Hollywood (Ghostbusters, Star Wars, Jurassic Park & Co.: Hollywood’s nostalgia fetish is annoying) in the dusty film landscape of Germany. What is a legacy sequel, some are now asking? Films that are continued with a sequel many years, often even decades later, in which factors such as nostalgia make up an essential part of the new work.
The 1991 comedy film Manta, Manta focuses on the iconic Opel car, which was produced from 1970 to 1988 and became a cult car in the 80s and 90s, especially in the tuning scene. In the 91-minute action comedy, which has reached an audience of 1.2 million, manta lover and hobby speedster Bertie (Til Schweiger) takes on the arrogantly rich Axel (Martin Armknecht), a Mercedes 190E driver , on. The rivalry builds up over the course of the film to such an extent that the big race ensues, in which the Ferrari driver Helmut also plays a role, who is also flirting with Bertie’s girlfriend Uschi – or at least tries to. Aside from the racing action, there is of course much more to it than that: friendships, love, fear of the future and solidarity.
When is Manta, Manta 2 coming? And who is playing?
Manta, Manta 2 will be released on March 31, 2022 in German cinemas and, in addition to established characters such as the somewhat stupid Bertie (Til Schweiger), his partner Uschi (Tina Ruland), Kumpel Klausi (Michael Kessler) and other characters from the original, it also brings some new faces that are represented by large (and small) German acting talents and celebrities are portrayed. Also present: Joko Winterscheidt, Emma and Luna Schweiger, Frank Buschmann, Alena Gerber, JP Kraemer, Moritz Bleibtreu, Axel Stein, Lukas Podolski and many more.
It is still largely unclear what roles the newcomers will take on. As revealed in the “Baywatch Berlin” podcast, Joko apparently plays another manta admirer, while Tim Oliver Schultz embodies the child of Bertie and ex-wife Uschi. Automobile influencer JP Kraemer, on the other hand, brings another major manufacturer, Audi, to the center of the “Manta, Manta” universe. As seen on Til Schweiger’s Instagram channel, he will be found behind the wheel of a pink Audi RS 6.
Manta, Manta 2: What is the second part about?
The previously known story premise of Manta, Manta 2 – which, by the way, Til Schweiger himself directed this time – is pretty much 0815 stuff and can be explained quickly: Bertie gave up his racing career years ago and has been running a rather unsuccessful car repair shop ever since , which is equipped with an attached go-kart track. Huge debts and financial problems lead him to dig up his old, dusty Manta and pimp it up to compete in a big 90’s race on the Bilster Berg (a test track in Bad Driburg, in Ostwestfalen-Lippe). Because: There is a high prize money to be won, which could suddenly solve all of Bertie’s problems – at least that’s what he thinks. But of course that’s not all, in addition and in the middle of the race preparations, ex-wife Uschi knocks surprisingly on the front door, together with his son Daniel and a momentous request to Bertie…
The first rumors about Manta, Manta 2 came to the surface in 2008, since then the comeback of the German cult film has been a topic again and again – mostly started by Til Schweiger or other former cast members. Now, almost 30 years after the original, the time has come. Manta, Manta 2 is running in German cinemas from March 31, 2023, there will probably be a first trailer soon, which should give more insight into the story and characters as well as the general tonality. Still, our advice: despite some parallels to the fantastic Top Gun: Maverick, don’t expect a masterpiece.
Now you are asked: What do you think of the big manta comeback? Do you see potential in the revival of the old cult classic or are you more put off by Constantin’s new film? And do you think there will be a similar use of clichéd manta jokes and tonality in 2022, along with the fan-favorite “Radio 88”? Is that possible?! Write us your thoughts and opinions on the topic in the comments.
