Years after captivating audiences as “Nerv” in the popular German children’s film series Die Wilden Kerle (The Wild Ones), Nick Romeo Reimann is speaking out about a demanding experience behind the scenes. In a latest documentary from NDR, Reimann alleges he was subjected to bullying and exclusion by his co-stars during filming, shedding light on the darker side of child stardom. The revelations have sparked a conversation about the pressures faced by young actors and the potential for unhealthy dynamics on set.
Reimann, now 28, joined the cast in the third installment of the franchise, portraying Nerv, a devoted fan eager to join the titular group of soccer-playing kids. While his character quickly resonated with fans – as evidenced by his IMDb profile confirms – Reimann says his experience with the other young actors was far less welcoming. He describes a stark contrast between the on-screen camaraderie and the coldness he felt once the cameras stopped rolling.
“The gang was different towards me as soon as the camera was off,” Reimann stated in the documentary. “Then I didn’t belong at all. I felt an incredible coldness and harshness from the other Wild Ones.” He described the experience as almost “sadistic,” noting the jarring shift from receiving affection during filming to being ostracized afterward. Reimann alleges he was frequently subjected to verbal abuse, recalling instances where he was told to “Shut your face, you shitty kid, I don’t want to be as stupid as you.”
Whereas Reimann did not name his alleged tormentors in the documentary, the pool of potential perpetrators is limited. The core cast of Die Wilden Kerle included Jimi Blue Ochsenknecht, Wilson Gonzalez, Marlon Wessel, Raban Bieling, Leon Wessel-Masannek, Kevin Iannotta, and Sarah Kim Gries. Following the release of the documentary, much of the attention has focused on Ochsenknecht, due in part to a resurfaced video clip that appears to show him directing Reimann to depart a section of the tour bus.
The clip, highlighted by NDR, shows a young Reimann giving a camera crew a tour of the bus. He acknowledges he isn’t typically allowed in the back section, and upon entering it, is met with silence before Ochsenknecht is heard saying, “Get lost!” Reimann responds with a resigned, “Yeah, that’s how it always is,” before exiting. The incident has prompted widespread discussion on social media, with many expressing support for Reimann and criticizing Ochsenknecht’s behavior.
Ochsenknecht, now 34, addressed the allegations in an interview also featured in the documentary. He stated he understood why the experience was difficult for Reimann, attributing his past behavior to a phase where he “thought I was extremely cool, and everything that came out of my mouth had to be cool.” He ultimately apologized to Reimann, acknowledging the unhealthy aspects of childhood fame.
Reimann’s story is part of a larger conversation about the challenges faced by child actors. As NDR reports, the early years of fame can be isolating, with pressures to maintain a public image and navigate complex social dynamics. Reimann himself experienced a period of professional setbacks after his time with Die Wilden Kerle, facing “65 casting rejections in five years,” a period he described as feeling like his “best time was already behind me.” He has since found success on stage at the Volkstheater in Vienna and continues to take on film roles.
The documentary, titled “Kinderschauspieler – der Preis des Erfolgs” (Child Actors – The Price of Success), is prompting a reevaluation of the support systems available to young performers and the long-term impact of early exposure to fame. The film is expected to continue generating discussion about the responsibilities of those working with child actors and the importance of fostering a safe and supportive environment on set.
As the conversation surrounding Reimann’s experience continues, it serves as a reminder of the human cost of entertainment and the require for greater awareness of the challenges faced by those who enter the industry at a young age.
What do you think about the responsibility of production companies to protect young actors on set?
