Actor Martin Müller discusses playing SS leader Heinrich Himmler in Felix Randau's new film "I Is Another" (Ich Ist ein Anderer), which premiered at the Locarno Film Festival's Piazza Grande programme on 7 August 2026. Randau said casting the role was unusually difficult, as several actors he approached declined and accused him of "providing a stage" for a Nazi figure, a criticism he rejected as dangerous given the rise of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. He argued that ignoring depictions of historical evil allows it to "grow in the dark", drawing a direct link between the film's subject matter and current political trends in Germany.

Set in 1952, the film stars Claes Bang as Felix Kersten, Himmler's former masseur, who claimed to have used his influence to save concentration camp prisoners; his account is challenged by a sceptical journalist, played by Valerie Pachner. Müller, primarily known for stage and television work, was eventually cast after a wide search led by Randau and casting director Suse Marquardt. He joins a long line of actors who have portrayed Himmler on screen, including Stephen Graham, Eddie Marsan, Matthias Freihof and Kenneth Tigar. Randau's comments also referenced the AfD's strong second-place finish in Germany's 2025 federal election and its growing support in the country's eastern states.