Constantin Film halts 'The Pope' series production weeks before filming

Constantin Film has reportedly suspended preparations for its highly anticipated series, "Die Päpstin" (The Pope), mere weeks before filming was scheduled to commence. This abrupt halt represents a significant setback for the production company, which had been gearing up for what was intended to be one of Germany's largest audiovisual projects of the year.

Katja Wirz, the press spokesperson for Constantin Film, confirmed the suspension to Der Spiegel. She cited "several open issues regarding casting and budget that could not be resolved in the remaining time" as the reasons for the stoppage. Earlier reports from "Welt" suggested that the withdrawal of a foreign financing partner was the primary cause for the sudden pause.

The series, based on Donna Woolfolk Cross's successful 1996 novel, was set to begin filming in October at the Hohenzollern Fortress in Würzburg, Franconia. The elaborate sets and production infrastructure built on-site will now need to be dismantled and stored, with hopes of utilizing them for a future production, according to Wirz.

"The Pope" was announced by ARD in January 2025 and was intended to bring the legend of Pope Joan to the screen. Jella Haase, known for her roles in "Fack ju Göhte" and "Kleo," was slated to play the lead. The production, with an estimated budget of around 20 million euros, was considered a major German film and television undertaking. The 2009 film adaptation, also involving ARD and starring Johanna Wokalek, was previously a cinematic success.

“

several open issues regarding casting and budget that could not be resolved in the remaining time.