“Stralsund” star Sophie Pfennigstorf
No desire for the “Hollywood trouble”
Sophie Pfennigstorf and Alexander Held in “Stralsund – Dead Dreams”.
© ZDF/Sandra Hoever
Can she also impress in her second outing? Sophie Pfennigstorf continues to investigate as “the new one” in the ZDF crime series “Stralsund”.
Around five million viewers watched her debut as Inspector Jule Zabek in the popular ZDF crime series “Stralsund”. Sophie Pfennigstorf (34) succeeded Katharina Wackernagel (45) in September. Even in her second appearance in “Stralsund – Dead Dreams” (December 16, 8:15 p.m., ZDF), her role Jule is still identified as the “new one,” explains Pfennigstorf in an interview with the news agency spot on news.
“Stralsund – Dead Dreams” is your second assignment as Commissioner Jule Zabek. Do you still feel like the new kid on the block?
Sophie Pfennigstorf: I really enjoyed flirting with Jule as the “new one”. However, filming for the fifth and sixth films with Jule Zabek is already starting this winter – I would say that I, Sophie, have arrived in the series. Thanks to the good cooperation, this was made very easy for me. Whether Jule will ever manage to achieve this is another matter, but I can say with certainty that in “Stralsund – Dead Dreams” still identifies her as the “new one”.
When it debuted in September 2023, 5.15 viewers tuned in. Would you have expected such a dream rate?
Pfennigstorf: I was very supportive of the film and think it’s a successful piece of work and I like to have inherently positive – or at best no – expectations. That is more fun. Of course I was very happy about the interest in Jule, the relaunch and Stralsund.
How great is the pressure to perform similarly well on the second mission?
Pfennigstorf: Since we shot both films back-to-back, it felt like it was all in one go. Nevertheless, I feel this pressure to do justice to the character, the book, my standards, etc. over and over again. I then try to re-engage with the character in each situation. Also, every film is a team effort and this one is complete. Now it’s time to let go. I don’t feel any pressure regarding the quota; other people are responsible for that.
How does “Stralsund” differ from the numerous other crime series on television?
Pfennigstorf: I think that the “Stralsund” series benefits from strong characters and courageous stories. I also believe that it is transmitted that everyone involved really enjoys the project.
Are you a crime fan yourself, what do you like to watch most privately?
Pfennigstorf: Personally, I’m not really a crime fan, although it’s a bit of a mixed bag for me. I like it when I still have something to think about after a film and also when everyone is still alive at the end.
You have also appeared in international series such as “The Team” and “Homeland”. Have you ever dreamed of a Hollywood career?
Pfennigstorf: You have to say that I had small roles in both projects. I believe that you have to choose a Hollywood career and at this point I’m not willing to make the sacrifices. Nevertheless, I enjoy every shoot outside of Germany and love working with other nationalities. So I’m very interested in filming internationally, learning new things and having other opportunities. But I don’t need the Hollywood trouble.
If your acting career hadn’t worked out, what would have been your plan B?
Pfennigstorf: I had flirted with political science or biology. Later I found it refreshing to no longer have a plan B and to put everything on one card. But these things also change. Who knows what longing for something else can arise. I’m keeping an open mind.
“Stralsund” is on TV a few days before Christmas. How will you spend the holidays this year?
Pfennigstorf: I’m flying back from Sri Lanka on December 24th and hope to be sitting at the Christmas table with my family on time that evening.
With the Christmas season the final spurt for 2023 begins. What is your personal balance for the year?
Pfennigstorf: I am shocked by the crises and wars in the world. I always realize how privileged I am. I am very grateful for all the experiences I have had and that I keep discovering new things. Personally, it’s been an interesting year and just another. I’ve had worse and better ones and I’m looking forward to the next one.
What do you want for 2024?
Pfennigstorf: For 2024 I would like to have interesting roles that challenge me. That responsibility for the climate crisis is taken at the political level. Health to my family and friends. … and yes, there is still a lot to be said on a political level.