The life of church reformer and theologian Martin Luther (November 10, 1483 - February 18, 1546) has inspired a number of adaptations of the events of the Reformation for both television and film. Some of these have been large-budget, major studio productions, while others have been produced by local Lutheran church bodies.
Film
Date Title Luther portrayed by Notes1923Martin LutherKarl Wüstenhagen Released by Luther-Film1928LutherEugen Klöpfer Released by Cobb Studios Filmed in Berlin, Germany Theodor Loos played Melanthon1953Martin LutherNiall MacGinnis directed by Irving Pichel Academy Award nominations for black & white cinematography and art/set direction Re-released in 2002 on DVD in 4 languages.1973LutherStacy KeachA film adaptation of the John Osborne play Luther, written by Edward Anhalt and released by Cinévision Ltée. Other actors included Patrick Magee, Hugh Griffith and Judi Dench.1981Where Luther WalkedN/AA documentary about the life of Martin Luther, narrated by the scholar Roland Bainton1983Martin Luther, HereticJonathan PryceA BBC production.2002Here I Stand: The Life and Legacy of Martin LutherWink MartindaleA biography of the Reformer, released direct to video by Lathika International Film & Entertainment Inc.2003LutherJoseph FiennesReleased by Eikon Film and partially funded by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. Other actors included Alfred Molina, Jonathan Firth, and Peter Ustinov2017Luther: The Life and Legacy of the German ReformerLuther: The Life and Legacy of the German Reformer Retrieved 5 June 2017N/AReleased by Stephen McCaskell Films.
Television
Date Title Luther portrayed by Description1964Martin LutherTerry NorrisAn Australian adaptation of the John Osborne play Luther for television1965Play of the MonthAlec McCowenA BBC adaptation of the John Osborne play Luther.1983Martin LutherLambert HamelA German-language television documentary, directed by Rainer Wolffhardt and released by Eikon Film.2001Opening the Door to LutherN/AA PBS travelogue, hosted by Rick Steves and sponsored by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.2002Martin LutherTimothy WestPart of the PBS Empires series. Narrated by Liam Neeson
Theatre Date Title Luther portrayed by Notes2017Martin LutherAndreas RobichauxProduced by Puritan Productions Staged in Dallas-Ft. Worth, Texas
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