Wim Wenders Withdraws 1975 Film Over Disputed Child Nude Scene
The Wim Wenders Foundation announced the withdrawal of the 1975 film 'The Wrong Move' from all distribution after actress Nastassja Kinski, who was 13 when a sexualized scene was filmed, renewed her long-standing demand for its removal. Kinski has sought the scene's removal since at least 2011, and Wenders' acceptance speech at the German Film Awards in May 2026 reignited public debate when he deflected responsibility to the German Film Academy rather than acting unilaterally. The case has drawn wider attention to how the film industry handles historically exploitative depictions of minors and whether completed works of art can or should be altered.
The Wim Wenders Foundation announced on June 3, 2026, that 'Falsche Bewegung' ('The Wrong Move') would be withdrawn from streaming services, television broadcasters, and distribution partners pending broader dialogue. The disputed scene shows Kinski, then 13, lying on a bed in only underwear while her adult co-star Rüdiger Vogler lies on top of her, slaps her, and caresses her face. Kinski, now 65, has described the experience as something she 'could already tell wasn't right' at the time and said Wenders failed to protect her. Wenders issued an unreserved apology and acknowledged Kinski should have been better protected, but also called for a broader societal debate involving the German Film Academy and film heritage institutions before any permanent decision is made about the film's future. Critics largely condemned his earlier speech at the German Film Awards as an attempt to diffuse personal responsibility onto a collective body, with Kinski's lawyer warning a lawsuit would follow if the scene was not removed. The case sits within a broader pattern of controversies involving underage actors in older films, including Brooke Shields in 'Pretty Baby' and 'The Blue Lagoon,' and the lawsuit filed by Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting over 'Romeo and Juliet,' and has prompted renewed discussion about modern industry safeguards for child performers.
What's missing
The terms under which Kinski's participation was originally contracted, including any parental consent arrangements, have not been publicly detailed.
How coverage differed
Deutsche Welle presented the story primarily from the perspective of Kinski's grievance and the critical reception of Wenders' deflection, emphasizing the harm done to the actress and the legal threat. Breitbart, while expressing sympathy for Kinski, framed the withdrawal predominantly as an act of censorship against a legitimate work of art, dwelling on the film's artistic merit and arguing that altering or suppressing it sets a troubling precedent regardless of the circumstances.
What different sources said
- Deutsche WelleCenter
Wim Wenders withdraws film with disputed child nude scene
- BreitbartFar Right
Nolte: Wim Wenders Pulls 1975 Movie After Actress Complains About Underage Nude Scene
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