“X-Factor: The Unbelievable”
RTLzwei is filming new episodes in the USA despite the strike
Jonathan Frakes hosts new episodes of “X-Factor.”
© RTLZWEI / Photo: Marshall Hall
With special permission in the middle of the strike: RTLzwei is filming new episodes of “X-Factor” with Jonathan Frakes in the USA.
The German reboot of the mystery series with Jonathan Frakes (71) is entering the next round: RTLzwei is filming eight new episodes of the cult format “X-Factor: The Unbelievable”. As the broadcaster announced in a press release, filming in and around Los Angeles will soon be completed.
Filming in the USA, how can that be? After all, both the actors and the writers are on strike there. But “X-Factor” is a German production. RTLzwei is not a member of the producers’ association AMPTP, the authors and actors are on strike. “We are filming with an exemption from the actors’ union and feel that their demands are justified overall,” the press release quotes Gerhard Putz from RTLzwei.
Iconic US actors in new episodes
In addition to host Jonathan Frakes, the makers were able to bring in a few other big names as actors. Danny “Machete” Trejo (79) plays in one of the new episodes. Also there are Richard Karn (67) from “Listen to Who’s Banging”, “Starship Trooper” actor Casper van Dien (54) and former child star Corey Feldman (“Stand by Me”, “The Goonies”).
“X-Factor” has been presenting mysterious and unbelievable stories since 1997. After each story, the viewer has to decide whether it is made up or (allegedly) true. The format, which was discontinued in 2002, achieved cult status, particularly in German-speaking countries.
After an unsuccessful attempt at a purely German revival with Detlef Bothe (58) from 2018, RTLzwei has been producing new episodes with Jonathan Frakes since 2021. With the exception of one episode, the reboot has an all-American cast in front of the camera.