Germany is about to glimpse the life of one of its most celebrated drag queens, Olivia Jones, through an upcoming film produced by Florida Film, which is already filming for ZDF. The project showcases the inspiring story of Oliver Knöbel, the man behind the drag persona, who has spent over three decades on stage and is known for his charisma and political activism. The film, simply titled "Olivia Jones," started production on March 11, 2025, and is under the direction of Till Endemann.
Olivia, born as Oliver Knöbel on November 21, 1969, moved to Hamburg at the age of 20, where he became part of the vibrant travesty scene. His breakthrough came in 1997, when he was crowned "Miss Drag Queen of the World" at the competition held in Miami. Since then, Olivia has become synonymous with Hamburg’s Reeperbahn, where he owns several bars and venues, establishing himself as not just an entertainer but also as a cultural icon.
Her life story will be told through the adaptation of her 2021 biography "Ungeschminkt: Mein schrilles Doppelleben," penned by Olivia herself. David Ungureit has taken the responsibility of adapting this life narrative for the film. Johannes Hegemann, the young talent who recently appeared on Netflix’s series "Neumatt," will portray Olivia on screen. "Olivia is such a multifaceted character, and I think Johannes will bring her to life beautifully", remarked Endemann. Hegemann, who has been preparing for the role, commented on the significance of Olivia's impact on society and the drag community.
Olivia's mother, Evelin, will be played by Annette Frier, known for her strong performances on television. The character of Evelin presents another layer to the film, showcasing the challenges Olivia faced at home. Initially unsupportive of her son's ambitions to dress as a woman, Evelin's evolution as the story progresses reflects the broader themes of acceptance and change within society. Frier noted, "Evelin’s character is complex; she starts off as someone who struggles with her son’s identity but learns to embrace him as the story develops."
The narrative of the film promises to portray not just Olivia’s rise to fame, but also the significant shift toward more openness and tolerance within German society. This aligns with Olivia's longstanding efforts to promote diversity, self-acceptance, and inclusivity—issues she has vocally advocated throughout her career.
Filming will continue until April 14, 2025, capturing both the glamour and the hardships Olivia faced along the way. Director Till Endemann is aware of the responsibility this film holds and explained, "It’s imperative we tell this story truthfully and respectfully, so audiences can understand the struggles and triumphs of someone as extraordinary as Olivia." The film aims to shed light on the significance of drag culture and its integration and acceptance within the mainstream, as Olivia has always strived to cross barriers and challenge stereotypes.
Throughout her career, Olivia has made countless TV appearances. She was the runner-up of the reality show "Dschungelcamp" (I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here) in 2013; she was also featured as a guest judge on "Queen Of Drags" and shared her charisma on shows with Joko Winterscheidt and Klaas Heufer-Umlauf through various formats including "Circus Halligalli," and "Joko & Klaas gegen ProSieben." These appearances have helped her cement her status as one of the country’s most recognizable personalities.
What remains to be seen is how Olivia's stunning rise from the outskirts of society to become a central figure will resonate with viewers once the film airs on ZDF. Although no broadcasting date has been confirmed yet, anticipation is growing as fans look forward to witnessing Olivia's compelling story on screen.
The casting reflects diverse talent, with actors like Angelina Häntsch, Daniel Zillmann, and Jeremy Mockridge joining Hegemann and Frier. Each has been selected to bring the rich narrative to life, with Endemann emphasizing the importance of honesty and integrity within the storytelling process.
The upcoming ZDF film "Olivia Jones" is poised to not only entertain but educate audiences about the struggles and advancements surrounding LGBTQ+ rights and representation. With today’s conversations around diversity being more relevant than ever, the story of Olivia contributes to this important dialogue—a narrative blending art with real-life experiences, firmly rooting it within the fabric of contemporary culture.
Fans expect to be moved by Olivia’s tribulations and triumphs, eager to see how her story helps pave the way for greater acceptance of diverse identities. The project stands to be much more than just another film; it's set to be an inspiring chronicle of one individual’s dramatic transformation and societal impact.