Lisa Vicari to Star in German Thriller Series Adaptation of ‘Struwwelpeter’; Centered on “Cruel” Ritual Murders

Lisa Vicari, the German star best known for Netflix’s cult science-fiction mystery-thriller Dark, is reuniting with the show’s creators Jantje Friese and Baran bo Odar on their next series, says Variety.

The site is reporting that Lisa Vicari will lead the duo’s upcoming HBO Max show based on the 19th-century German children’s book Struwwelpeter, described as a “cruel reality” thriller that acts as a family drama exploring themes of punishment and forgiveness.

First teased last year in the announcement for HBO Max’s launch in Germany, the series will transform the 10 gruesome tales from Heinrich Hoffmann’s original 1845 book into a modern thriller, focusing on adult rather than child characters.

It will follow a federal investigator solving ritual murders inspired by the dark, cautionary stories. 

The first story, after which “Struwwelpeter” (which translates as “Shockheaded Peter”) is named, tells the tale of a dirty and lazy boy who does not groom himself properly, and, as a result, is unloved.

Production on the show is now underway.