Scene from the first part of “Manta Manta”
Photo: picture alliance. All rights reserved.
Again trouble about and with Til Schweiger. Who knew a movie sequel could cause so much uproar? On March 30, “Manta Manta – Second Part” was released in German cinemas. Since then there has been a lot of controversy in the context of the sequel to the cult film from the nineties. After allegations of violence and alcohol abuse on the set, the screenwriter has now spoken out.
Stefan Cantz wrote the screenplay for the first part of the car film. “Manta Manta” was released in 1991 and attracted more than a million visitors to the cinemas at the time. The main actors Til Schweiger and Tina Ruland were still in their twenties. Their roles as Opel fan Bertie and blonde Uschi made the actors superstars of the German film landscape almost overnight.
In March, the second part of “Manta Manta” came to the cinema. Til Schweiger directed it himself. Since its release, the film has attracted 1.8 million viewers, almost twice as many as its predecessor. The film’s earnings are correspondingly higher. Stefan Cantz finds this unfair.
Manta Manta Author Files Lawsuit
The screenwriter, who wrote for “Tatort” among other things, has therefore filed a lawsuit against the production company Constantin Film with the Munich Regional Court. His demand: additional payments for his work as a screenwriter. As a further charge, he announced a “violation of processing rights” through his lawyers.
According to the author, this was not sufficiently taken into account in the continuation of the film. He lacked a say in the making of the film. He also asked for a financial contribution. Cantz claims that neither Til Schweiger nor Constantin Film informed him of the plans for the sequel. In his view, the fees included were by no means in relation to the remuneration at the time. He is therefore demanding compensation for the continuation of the film.
Cantz’ lawyers cite agreements that Constantin only had the right to shoot a remake. A sequel, however, would have had to be clarified with him as the author of the story. “Unfortunately, the process is a typical example of how screenwriters are treated in the German film industry. That annoys me, and I want to take a stand against it. My hope is that this lawsuit will also motivate other authors not to put up with everything in this industry. You can defend yourself,” says Cantz.
Til Schweiger has not yet commented on the charges. And Constantin Film is also keeping a low profile for the time being. A spokesman for the production company said they would not comment on ongoing legal proceedings.