Daniel Brühl Opens Up About Portraying Karl Lagerfeld in Kaiser Karl
German-Spanish actor Daniel Brühl discussed his approach to embodying fashion icon Karl Lagerfeld for the biographical series Kaiser Karl. The discussion touched on how Brühl drew from personal heritage to shape the performance, shaping Lagerfeld’s commanding yet elegant presence on screen.
Brühl explained that his Spanish roots influenced his interpretation, imagining Lagerfeld with a bullfight’s intensity. This mental image helped him balance masculine authority with a sense of refined sophistication, a combination he sought to preserve throughout the series. At times, colleagues chuckled at his matador-inspired movements before filming, yet Brühl found that practicing those gestures helped him settle into the right rhythm for the role.
To fine-tune the portrayal, Brühl consulted with Lagerfeld’s close associate, the artist Patrick Hurcade. The collaboration extended to personal styling choices, including Brühl’s nail length, inspired by Lagerfeld’s iconic nails and gestures. Brühl recalled a workshop moment where Lagerfeld’s catlike insistence on scratch and move became a guiding metaphor. The takeaway was a balance of bold action with precise, controlled steps that defined Lagerfeld on camera.
In related industry news, director Sarık Andreasyan recently addressed questions about stepping away from the Nikulin project. Meanwhile, reflections on immigrant experiences in Russia referenced historical figures like Pushkin as cultural touchstones for newcomers, underscoring how heritage informs storytelling choices across productions. These conversations highlight how biographical works blend personal history, mentorship, and iconic imagery to build authentic character portrayals. Discussion of Lagerfeld’s influence and the casting process underscores the broader craft of bringing legendary figures to life on screen, with actors drawing from tradition and personal interpretation alike. citation: entertainment interview roundup