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WDR Shoots New Six-Part Family Drama Onkel Ruben und das Loch im Garten in the Ruhr

Set in Ruhr locations with mining‑history themes, the series is slated for the ARD‑Mediathek by the end of 2026.

Overview

  • The filming, which began Wednesday, is taking place in Dortmund and is scheduled to run through July 30 with further shoots planned in Hagen and Recklinghausen.
  • The six-part series is produced by Dortmunder company Sally Forth Cinema for WDR/ARD and is directed by Marvin Litwak with editorial responsibility at WDR held by Pia Witte and Matthias Körnich.
  • The story follows Onkel Ruben, a small-time criminal who claims to be a whistleblower, as his return draws a multi‑generational mining family into a mystery tied to a disused underground route.
  • The principal cast includes Johannes Kienast as Onkel Ruben and Purnima Grätz as 15-year-old Mia, with Lucas Gregorowicz, Leonard Lansink, Josefine Preuß, Axel Stein and Minh-Khai Phan Thi among the ensemble.
  • WDR says the series is expected on the ARD‑Mediathek by the end of 2026 but has not announced a firm premiere date and the local production highlights renewed film activity in the Ruhr region.