The long-awaited historical epic King Otto has finally been unveiled, and with it, a performance that’s already being hailed as career-defining for rising star Alexander Deremon. Known for his intensity and emotional depth, Deremon fully immerses himself in the titular role—bringing to life a once-forgotten monarch whose story is as brutal as it is inspiring. The film, a sweeping European co-production, blends old-world grandeur with visceral battle scenes and emotionally charged character work that sets a new bar for historical cinema.
Set in the war-torn kingdoms of 11th-century Europe, King Otto follows the life of Otto of Galebridge—a nobleman turned warrior-king whose path to the throne is paved in betrayal, exile, and bloodshed. The film wastes no time immersing viewers in its rich world of shifting alliances, religious tension, and raw human ambition. As Otto, Deremon delivers a performance that captures both the quiet grief of a fallen prince and the unyielding fury of a man determined to reclaim his legacy.
Directed by acclaimed French-German filmmaker Laurent Rüger, the film draws visual inspiration from the likes of Gladiator and The Last Kingdom but sets itself apart with an unapologetic tone and masterfully layered script. Rüger spent nearly six years developing the screenplay, drawing from real 11th-century chronicles and oral accounts, reconstructing Otto’s rise with near obsessive detail. The result is a work that feels both grounded and mythic.
Deremon trained for over eight months to embody the role of Otto, undergoing sword training, horseback combat drills, and dialect coaching to capture the layered authenticity the director demanded. What emerges on screen is a portrait of a man at war with both enemies and fate—haunted by visions, driven by purpose, and constantly torn between power and compassion. It’s a performance that feels elemental, magnetic, and utterly believable.
Backing Deremon is an ensemble cast that brings fire and nuance to every corner of the story. French actress Clémence Moreau plays Queen Isolde, Otto’s exiled wife and moral compass, while Oscar nominee Tom Skarsgaard commands as Archbishop Weller, a political puppeteer whose ambitions may eclipse even Otto’s. Rising German actor Luca Drechsler plays Otto’s estranged brother Edric, whose shifting loyalties bring the film to a searing emotional climax.
The production itself spanned over twelve countries, with large portions filmed in rugged regions of Romania, Austria, and Wales. The film’s battle scenes—most notably the Siege of Vyrnwy and the Ambush at Black Hollow—have been lauded by critics for their brutal realism and tight choreography. Each clash is filmed with handheld intimacy, placing the viewer within the chaos rather than observing from a distance. Practical effects and minimal CGI lend a tactile quality rarely seen in modern epics.
Composer Anya Löwenstein’s orchestral score blends ancient Nordic instruments with cinematic swells, elevating every scene with emotional resonance. The film’s use of silence and ambient sound is particularly powerful, allowing moments of introspection and grief to breathe amidst the chaos. In a standout moment, Otto walks alone through a battlefield of his own making—silent, broken, and victorious. It’s one of many haunting scenes that linger long after the credits roll.
Already being hailed by early festival audiences as “a masterpiece of modern historical drama,” King Otto is tipped for major award season buzz. Critics have singled out Deremon’s performance as a likely Best Actor contender, praising his ability to hold the screen with gravitas while revealing deep vulnerability beneath the steel. His portrayal transforms Otto from a name in dusty archives into a living, breathing force.
The film is set for worldwide release this fall, with exclusive IMAX screenings and limited theatrical runs in select cities ahead of its wide debut. A behind-the-scenes documentary is also in production, promising deeper insight into the six-year journey of bringing Otto’s story to life. Fans of gritty, character-driven epics are already calling this the must-see film of the year.
For Alexander Deremon, King Otto is more than a role—it’s a declaration. This is an actor stepping into legend, wielding sword and sorrow with equal power. In a cinematic landscape crowded with fantasy and spectacle, King Otto reminds us of the raw, relentless power of history—especially when brought to life by a performer who refuses to look away from the truth of his character.
