The life of Germany's most famous drag queen, Olivia Jones, is being brought to the screen, with filming currently underway for the ZDF film titled 'Olivia Jones'. This extraordinary production chronicles the remarkable story of Oliver Knöbel, who transformed himself from a bullied teenager to one of the most recognized figures of the LGBTQ+ community.
Filming began on March 11, 2025, and is taking place in Hamburg, primarily around the iconic Reeperbahn district, where Olivia owns several clubs and pubs. Johannes Hegemann, the young and talented Swiss-German actor, plays the lead role of Oliver Knöbel, who later adopts the vibrant persona of Olivia Jones. Acclaimed actress Annette Frier portrays his mother, Evelin, who initially struggles to accept her son's identity.
With Olivia Jones being 195 centimeters tall and Hegemann measuring 188 centimeters, the casting is said to closely represent Olivia's larger-than-life presence. The film, directed by Till Endemann, seeks to shed light on Olivia's transition from the small town of Springe, near Hannover, to becoming a cultural icon known for her colorful performances and advocacy within the queer community.
Olivia’s life has been filled with challenges. At just 16, she came out as gay to her mother, stating, "Ich bin schwul" (Translation: "I am gay"). This admission was met with rejection and misunderstanding, particularly from Evelin, who initially viewed Oliver's choice to dress as a woman as shameful. Despite this familial struggle, Olivia found inspiration from another prominent drag artist, Lilo Wanders. With resolve, she relocated to Hamburg, where she began to explore her identity unapologetically.
A significant aspect of Olivia's story involves her father's betrayal. Gerhard, her father, was embroiled in financial scandals, having embezzled 1.9 million Marks before abandoning the family. Olivia stated, "Diese Zeit hat Narben auf meiner Seele hinterlassen" (Translation: “This time has left scars on my soul”). Her childhood experiences of bullying and violence shaped her fierce determination to succeed and embrace her identity fully.
The film is inspired by Olivia's autobiography 'Ungeschminkt', and David Ungureit has crafted the screenplay to reflect both personal and broader societal transformations. ZDF spokesperson Susanne Priebe elaborated on the film’s intentions, noting, "Wir erzählen die Entwicklungsgeschichte von Oliver Knöbel zur bekanntesten Dragqueen Deutschlands, Olivia Jones – grell, humorvoll und politisch engagiert" (Translation: “We tell the development story of Oliver Knöbel to Germany's most famous drag queen, Olivia Jones – garish, humorous, and politically engaged.”) This narrative focuses not only on Olivia's rise to stardom but also on the increasing openness, diversity, and tolerance within German society.
Filming is expected to continue until April 14, 2025, with scenes captured both on the streets of Hamburg's St. Pauli and at the picturesque Hohenfelde at the Baltic Sea. While the release date remains uncertain, anticipation grows among those who have followed Olivia’s vibrant career and the cultural movement she has spurred.
Olivia reflected on the significance of her story being adapted for film, expressing her pride and hope for its inspirational potential: "Dass mein Buch verfilmt wird, macht mich sehr stolz. Hoffentlich macht meine Biografie anderen Mut. Der Film ist ein wichtiges Zeichen, gerade in Zeiten wie unseren" (Translation: "That my book is being madeinto film makes me very proud. I hope my biography will encourage others. The film is an important sign, especially in our times."). Her passionate engagement with the queer community and outspoken advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights mark her as not just an entertainer, but also as a pivotal figure for cultural change.
With Olivia Jones at the forefront of this biopic, viewers can anticipate not only glittering performances but also a potent exploration of resilience, acceptance, and the colorful spectrum of human identity. The 'Olivia Jones' film promises to be more than just entertainment—it aims to be a cultural touchstone reflecting significant societal shifts and the reinforcement of queer visibility.