Der Tiger cast and characters: Here's who brought the Prime Video war drama to life

Der Tiger is a joint production between Germany and the Czech Republic. This war drama film is directed by Dennis Gansel, who has also written the script with Colin Teevan. Also known as The Tank, the film was released in theatres on September 18, 2025. Here's the official synopsis as per Letterboxd:

In the Eastern Front of World War II in 1943, a five-man crew of a German Tiger tank is sent on a secret mission far behind the fiercely contested front line. Fueled by the Wehrmacht’s methamphetamine, their assignment increasingly becomes a journey into the heart of darkness.

Let's explore the film's cast and characters.

Der Tiger cast and characters explored

1) David Schütter as Philip Gerkens

David Schütter plays the role of Philip Gerkens, who is a lieutenant and the commander of the tank. He goes on to indulge himself in hallucinogenic drugs. Schütter has acted in titles like Our Miracle Years, Never Look Away, and Charlie's Angels.

2) André Hennicke as Lieutenant Colonel Krebs

André Hennicke plays Colonel Krebs in Der Tiger. He is part of the commanding team that orders the Tiger tank to find a rogue officer. Hennicke has appeared in films like Youth Without Youth, Pandorum, and Sophie Scholl: The Final Days.

3) Tilman Strauss as Paul von Hardenburg

Tilman Strauss plays the role of Paul von Hardenburg. He is a senior officer who has gone rogue. The team sends a group of men to capture him, as he holds essential military information. Strauss's acting credits include The King's Surrender, Limbo, and Spuren.

4) Other cast members of the film

Samuel Himal as Fritz
Leonard Kunz as Helmut
Yoran Leicher as Michel
Alzbeta Mala as Marion
Laurence Rupp as Christian Weller
Sebastian Urzendowsky as Keilig
Arndt Schwering-Sohnrey as Löffler

More about Der Tiger

Der Tiger is produced by Christian Becker. It was shot by Carlo Jelavic, while Benjamin Kaubisch serves as the editor. Heiko Maile has composed the score. The film was released on September 18, 2025. Its storyline takes place during the Second World War in 1943, where five soldiers are assigned a Tiger tank to capture a rogue officer.

The title became the first German film backed by Amazon MGM Studios to be released in theatres in the United States. Philip Pratt, who is the head of German originals at Amazon MGM Studios, shared a statement about the US release:

“When Dennis Gansel and producer Frank Kusche first presented the idea to us, we immediately knew we had to make it. This special film deserves the biggest stage. Dennis is not only an award-winning director, but with films like ‘Napola’ and ‘The Wave,’ he has proven that he has a special sensitivity for this subject matter."

Nick Palmer handled the production design, while the costumes were done by Anke Winckler. Meg Tanner took care of hair and makeup for the film. It will be released on Amazon Prime Video on January 2, 2026.