Exclusive Interview: Christian Zübert on the Phenomenal Success of Netflix’s Exterritorial
Christian Zübert, the talented writer and director behind the hit Netflix film Exterritorial, is still in disbelief over the film’s meteoric rise on the platform’s charts. "I told my wife, ‘I hope we don’t have a moment like La La Land in 2017,’ because it just felt unreal," he shares. "I was thrilled with how the movie turned out, combining an emotional storyline with thrilling genre elements. I thought we might reach number one in Germany and some other countries, but I never imagined we’d do so well in major markets like the U.S. and the UK."
To his surprise, Exterritorial reached the top spot on Netflix film charts in an impressive 88 countries, including both the U.S. and the UK. It dominated the platform’s non-English language charts for three consecutive weeks, becoming the fifth most-watched non-English film on Netflix with over 85 million views and closing in on the fourth place.
"It’s a realization that, thanks to Netflix’s vast reach, this might have been the most-watched movie in the world at that moment," Zübert reflects.
The gripping plot centers around former elite soldier Sara Wulf, portrayed by Jeanne Goursaud (Barbarians), whose child mysteriously vanishes in the complex labyrinth of the U.S. consulate in Frankfurt, Germany. As authorities deny her son’s presence, Sara is thrust into a battle against time, unraveling a cover-up linked to her past in Afghanistan.
Zübert reveals that the inspiration for the film struck him while he was working on the acclaimed German series Bad Banks. "I found myself at the U.S. consulate trying to secure visas for my family. While I didn’t lose a child or embark on a chaotic mission like in the film, the idea took root there," he explains. After a pitch to Netflix’s German-language programming head Sasha Bühler, the film was greenlit. "We thought, why not create an emotional take on Die Hard set within a consulate?"
The unique blend of action and emotional depth revolving around a mother’s search for her child is what Zübert considers the film’s secret to success. "We have the structure of a Die Hard-type action film, but paired with a mother’s quest and her internal struggles. If we had focused solely on one aspect, audiences might have dismissed it as just another cliché."
Casting Challenges: Dougray Scott Takes on a Complex Role
Zübert faced challenges while casting the film, particularly in finding the right actress for the role of Sara Wulf. It wasn’t until he met Goursaud that he felt the character was truly brought to life. "Seeing her inhabit the role was remarkable. She’s not a trained fighter, but she embraced the character’s physicality without relying on stunt doubles," he says.
Dougray Scott, who plays Erik Kynch, the head of consulate security, also faced a unique challenge. "His role required him to master an American accent while speaking German. It was a complex character for a Scottish actor," Zübert notes. "He worked incredibly hard on set in Vienna, often asking to speak German to immerse himself further."
The success of Exterritorial represents a significant milestone for the German film industry and serves as an encouragement for other writers and directors. “We may not have Hollywood’s budget, which means we can’t blow up an entire consulate,” Zübert points out. “Instead, we rely on strong narratives and emotional storytelling to create something truly special.”
Looking Ahead: New Projects on the Horizon
Currently, Zübert is in Bratislava, Slovakia, preparing for an exciting TV drama titled Nordhof, inspired by the world of showjumping. This series, developed for German public broadcaster ZDF, is based on a novel by renowned German author Juli Zeh. “It dives deep into the world of high-value horses sold to billionaires,” Zübert explains. "While there have been films about horse racing, this series uniquely showcases the visually captivating and exhilarating realm of showjumping.”
When asked about the possibility of returning to the Exterritorial universe for a sequel, Zübert remains open-minded yet cautious. “I love exploring new ideas and challenges. I wouldn’t dismiss the idea of a sequel, but it would need to be driven by a compelling concept. I wouldn’t want to create a sequel just for the sake of it or because the first film was successful.”
As he continues to craft compelling stories, Christian Zübert proves that a blend of emotional depth and thrilling action can captivate audiences worldwide.
