Full Breakdown
Wim Wenders Withdraws 1975 Film ‘The Wrong Move’ Over Underage Nude Scene
6/4/2026, 12:01:10 AM
Withdrawal Announcement
On 3 June 2026, director Wim Wenders announced that his 1975 film *The Wrong Move* (*Falsche Bewegung*) will be withdrawn from distribution. The Wim Wenders Foundation, which holds the rights, said the title will stay unavailable until an agreed solution is reached with actress Nastassja Kinski and film bodies.
Origins of the Controversy
The film introduced 13-year-old Nastassja Kinski in a scene where she appears topless while adult co-star Rüdiger Vogler lies on her bed, slaps her and caresses her face. Kinski has repeatedly demanded its removal, telling *Süddeutsche Zeitung* in 2024 that the film was her first and that the director had failed to protect her. In a 1997 *W Magazine* interview she described the experience as emotionally tearing.
Responses from Parties
Wenders issued an apology, saying Kinski should have been better protected at the time and expressing regret without reservation. He added that the scene would not be filmed today and called for a broad dialogue with the German Film Academy. The foundation echoed this call. Kinski’s lawyer, Christian Schertz, said the decision was overdue and noted it came only after public pressure.
Criticism
Critics say Wenders is shifting responsibility to the German Film Academy, arguing that he retains ultimate authority over the film. Editorials in *Süddeutsche Zeitung* and *Welt* called the removal “symbolically right” and warned that retroactive edits could set a precedent.
Implications for Film History
The dispute revives debate on revising historic cinema. Wenders cited Steven Spielberg’s regret over editing *E.T.* for its 20th-anniversary re-release, emphasizing that films should not be altered to fit contemporary perspectives. Similar controversies have surrounded Louis Malle’s *Pretty Baby* (1978). Modern productions now require guardians, parental consent, and intimacy coordinators for under-age performers. The debate also raises concerns for archives and cultural history.
Verbatim Quotes
- “If I had had somebody to protect me or if I had felt more secure about myself, I would not have accepted certain things. Nudity things,” — Nastassja Kinski, *W Magazine*, 1997
- “And inside it was just tearing me apart.” — Nastassja Kinski, *W Magazine*, 1997
- “For that, I apologize to you, Nastassja, unreservedly, no ifs and buts.” — Wim Wenders, foundation statement, 2026
- “The matter is between him and Nastassja Kinski, but he has avoided direct confrontation with her for years,” — Commentator, *Tageszeitung*
Next Steps
The foundation will convene a dialogue with the German Film Academy, Kinski and other stakeholders to decide a future distribution model. Kinski’s legal team warned that, without an agreement, a lawsuit may be filed to compel removal.
