In Mike Marzuk’s film adaptation by Sabine Bohlmann’s children’s book series “A girl named Willow” (cinema start: February 27, 2025) Willow (Ava Petsch) has inherited a magical forest from her great aunt Alwina – as well as the ability to witch. At school, many find the girl with red hair weird.
In her forest house, Willow meets witch champion Grimmoor (Max Giermann). Grimmoor instructs you to find three girls who also have magical skills. Only together can they dominate the elements of fire, water, air and earth, and that is necessary. Because the vulture duo wants to cut down the forest and build a shopping center. The girls want to save the forest in front of them.
We spoke to the main actresses Ava Petsch, Anna von Seld, Mary Tölle and Cora Trube, as well as with Max Giermann.
“A girl named Willow”: Interview with the cast: Ava Petsch, Anna von Seld, Mary Tölle and Cora Trube
How did you prepare for the role?
Cora Trube (In the role of Valentina): We girls often met in the hotel in the evening. We then talked through scenes. I also practiced individual passages with my mother.
Anna von Seld (In the role as Gretchen): First of all, I just learned the text.
Mary Tölle (In the role of Lotti): I practiced with my mother for the casting.
Ava Petsch (In the role as Willow): I went a lot into the forest, like my figure. I tried to be far from everyday life. Willow is a shy person – I am not.
How did the casting go for you?
Cora Trube: I also spoke about the role of Willow. With the final casting, the most important, you are of course also a bit excited.
Anna von Seld: There was e-casting and two castings on site. My agent had told me about “Willow”, and my mother and I practiced the scenes. Of course it was said: keep your fingers crossed. Before the last casting in Munich, I was ill. So I came with a scarf.
Ava Petsch: In the casting, it was definitely found that we best harmonize four girls.
Do you know situations from school where girls or boys are considered strange – and how do you help them?
Cora Trube: Unfortunately, there are such situations in many classes. You should then dare to go to the teacher. I’ve done that before. And for the person who is annoyed – just try to be there for you.
Anna von Seld: I haven’t had to experience such situations yet. At my school we form a community. Going to the teacher would then be really important. Also so that the situation does not escalate.
Mary Tölle: Yes, that’s important. The teachers are told. Or just try to be there for the girlfriend or friend.
Ava Petsch: You help those who are annoyed.
The forest plays a major role in the story. What should the parents do better in your opinion so that nature is better?
Cora Trube: Driving less car, that would be a start. More cycling. Run.
Anna von Seld: Definitely more train driving.
Mary Tölle: Clearly, use bicycles. Or the electric car.
Ava Petsch: It would be a start if you don’t leave the garbage in the forest.
Have you ever experienced a magical moment?
Cora Trube: I have, yes! But that was rather negative. I once had a cuddly toy that could make noises. When I slept, it started talking at once. Otherwise I only knew that from Alexa!
Anna von Seld: I had a lion as a cuddly toy. He belonged to my grandma and he was in my bed. My father was traveling to Budapest, I was talking to him in the morning. And then it turned out: Exactly the same lion was in his bed. Although the lion was no longer made! I even think that there was only one copy of him.
Mary Tölle: Magical moments? Not yet!
Ava Petsch: The filming of “Willow”, they were a magical time. And that I met the three other girls.
Which fantasy books do you read, which films do you watch?
Cora Trube: I like Sabine Bohlmann’s books in general. My favorite film is “Twilight”, I also like the “Hobbit” films. So more action fantasy.
Anna von Seld: My three favorite books are “the endless story”, “Peanut Jones” about a girl who found a pen with whom she can draw doors to enter another world. And Sabine Bohlmann’s “Willow” series. I am also a big fan of the “Werwolf” card game. And I think the film adaptation of it is really good.
Mary Tölle: I am a big fan of “Dr. Strange ”films by Marvel. In the books, I prefer to use Sabine Bohlmann’s “Ms. Honey” books.
Ava Petsch: I like to read “Die Willow” books. From the films I like the “Harry Potter” series. I have a big brother. That’s why I watched all the films at six.
How did the filming go with Max Giermann – did he often make nonsense?
Cora Trube: Clear. We had a lot of fun with him. Especially because he didn’t always do what was in the script. Lach flashes between the scenes were the rule.
Anna von Seld: He was as funny as I had imagined. When it came to the scenes, he was concentrated.
Mary Tölle: Oh yes, Max Giermann has often made nonsense! Not during the scenes, but even more. He asked us improvised questions, we couldn’t get out of the laughter
Ava Petsch: But we girls always have a lot around!
“A girl named Willow”: Interview with Max Giermann
Otherwise you like to speak celebrities – who was your role model here?
Max Giermann: This is a good question! I am glad if I don’t have to orientate myself to celebrities, must be exactly like the original. Master witch Grimmoor is a fictitious figure. I was allowed to come up with everything myself. The constant promises, the word games, the come from me.
How difficult was it to apply the makeup?
I am used to long mask times. Most of the time I sit on a chair for 4 hours, and then screwing around on my face. With “Willow” I might have been sitting in the mask for two hours. I like that. I would be missing something without masking times. I like to use the time to adjust to my role. My scenes played mostly in the forest. Our caravan was right on a stream. My make -up artist is also a friend of mine. So we had a great time.
Are you laughing about jokes other than the adults?
I do my presentation equally for children and adults. I think I have a child -savvy humor. The things that I find funny also find children funny. Laughing often has to do with waking up the child or rediscovered. Good comedy is old, has a general validity.
Laughing children when you imitate celebrities?
Yes, of course. But maybe not because they discover the similarity to the original. You may not even know who Robert Habeck is, but think it’s great when someone turns his voice. If someone laughs without knowing the template, I’m almost happy. Then my insert was funny.
What are the differences between stand-up in front of the audience and film, what challenges do you see?
Stand-up presents you with the challenge that you have to be very with yourself. You have to tell stories from your own life. Be authentic. The focus of the film is the focus – the world of another person, a transformation.
The great thing about the witch champion is that he actually cannot leave his room. Did that bother you?
Well, the room was very tight. The children turned in the forest or on waterfalls. In my hut, on the other hand, it quickly got 30 degrees warm. The hut was rebuilt from a crumbled mill. They put a lot of passion into it, all the furniture, the little things. You develop awe. So: I liked my hut.
How do you best close nature conservation?
By going into nature. Makes it tangible. Practically understands. Hiking, games. We are beings from nature that live in nature. You forget that if you only sit in the building all day.
The questions asked children’s reporters Ted Nasseri