Terrence Malick Reveals New World War II Drama ‘Radegund,’ Starring August Diehl

Terrence Malick hasn’t made a wartime drama since 1998’s enormous “The Thin Red Line,” but that’s soon about to change thanks to an intriguing new project. According to The Film Stage and several German news sources, the director will head to World War II for his next movie in order to tell the true story of Franz Jägerstätter, an Austrian solider who became a conscientious objector during World War II and was sentenced to death at age 36 for his actions. “Inglourious Basterds” star August Diehl is set to play Jägerstätter.

READ MORE: The Films of Terrence Malick, Ranked From Worst to Best

The film is currently titled “Radegund” and is set to begin shooting at Studio Babelsberg in Potsdam, Germany this summer. Could that mean Malick is actually finished with his gestating projects “Voyage Of Time” and “Weightless”? Possibly, but it’s notoriously hard to tell with the reclusive filmmaker. Broad Green Pictures released the filmmaker’s “Knight Of Cups” earlier this year, and it seems Malick, once notorious for taking yearlong gaps between projects, just can’t stop making new features as of late. We’re certainly not complaining.

No further details about “Radegund” have been revealed, though Valerie Pachner is rumored to be circling a part as well. The film will certainly have war elements to it, but it sounds like Malick is intent on keeping his focus small and intimate with this character-based drama, so don’t expect the massive reach of “The Thin Red Line.” Excitingly, the drama will take Malick back to Europe after staying domestic for both “Knight of Cups” and “Weightless.”

Stay on top of the latest breaking film and TV news! Sign up for our Festivals newsletter here.