Karl Lagerfeld was a mammoth figure in life. Four years on since his death, the German designer's legacy has grown all the more outsized. Part of this has to do with pop culture – Lagerfeld is being celebrated through the Met Gala theme this year and Jared Leto has announced a Karl Lagerfeld biopic, in which he will lead and produce, is on its way. As we've witnessed in the past with Elvis and Sofia Coppola's Priscilla, and the slate of Amy Winehouse productions, when there's one biopic another is sure to follow. Like clockwork, Disney+ has announced Kaiser Karl, a six-part show dramatising the life of the former Fendi and Chanel creative director.
What is Kaiser Karl about?
Those who froth on fashion history will want to follow closely. Using Raphaëlle Bacqué's 2019 biography Kaiser Karl: The Life of Karl Lagerfeld as the source material, the series will chart Karl Lagerfeld's career and personal life, beginning in 1972 when the designer was 38 years old and aspiring to become the foremost French fashion designer, putting him directly head-to-head with Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé. It will feature parties, clashing egos, Lagerfeld's intimate love affair with Jacques de Bascher, and the tragedy of his loss.
Who will star in Kaiser Karl
Thankfully, Jared Leto has not been cast in the titular role. Instead, Spanish-German actor Daniel Brühl, of Speed and The Alienist fame, will step in as Karl Lagerfeld in the dramatic retelling of the designer's life. Joining Brühl, is Théodore Pellerin as de Bascher, Arnaud Valois as Saint Laurent and Alex Lutz as Bergé. Agnès Jaoui will play the role of Chloé founder Gaby Aghion, meanwhile Rouje’s Jeanne Damas is starring as Paloma Picasso, Claire Laffut as Loulou de la Falaise, Sunnyi Melles as Marlene Dietrich and Paul Spera as Andy Warhol.
Is there a release date?
Production is currently underway, with shooting taking place between Monaco, France and Italy. It's proving to be a huge feat, with more than 2,200 extras, over 40 sets and 3,000 costumes created by French costume designer Pascaline Chavanne, which is perhaps the part we're most excited for.
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