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Director Wim Wenders withdraws 1975 film after Nastassja Kinski appeals over topless scene filmed when she was 13

Director Wim Wenders withdraws 1975 film after Nastassja Kinski appeals over topless scene filmed when she was 13

A lawyer for Kinski has said the decision was "long overdue".

Nastassja Kinski, wearing a red dress and stood in front of a backdrop image of red roses.

Carlos Alvarez/Getty Images

James Hibbs

Published: Thursday, 4 June 2026 at 11:55 am

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Following appeals from actress Nastassja Kinski, Oscar-nominated German director Wim Wenders has said he will block access to his 1975 film Wrong Move.

Kinski said in a recent interview with German newspaper Sueddeutsche Zeitung that she had appealed to Wenders to change the film for years, as it includes a scene in which she is topless at the age of 13.

"That was my first film, he was my first director and he didn't protect me," Kinski told the publication.

In a statement published on his Instagram account and website, Wenders has now said: "As the only person responsible at the time for Wrong Move who is still here, I recognise that Nastassja Kinski should have been better protected back then. For that, I apologise to you, Nastassja, unreservedly, no ifs or buts.

"The non-profit Wim Wenders Foundation, which owns the film, is withdrawing it from all current forms of distribution and exhibition. Streaming services, television broadcasters and distribution partners will be instructed to cease public access to the film.

"The many reactions, comments, and conversations of recent days have played a significant role in further sharpening my understanding of the events of that time. For that, I am grateful. Only an open and respectful exchange can lead us to reconsider positions and reassess responsibilities."

Wim Wenders, wearing a break jacket, black and white striped shirt, black bowtie and black-rimmer glasses, looking at the camera and stood against a wall.

Wim Wenders. Tristar Media/WireImage

The statement continues: "It is necessary for our society to find appropriate ways of dealing with controversial film works from the 20th century and to face new learning processes and inclusive perspectives regarding cinema.

"As part of this important debate, we will seek a broad dialogue - with the German Film Academy, the DFF – Deutsches Filminstitut & Filmmuseum, other film heritage institutions and intergenerational groups.

"Only after that process has taken place - even if it takes considerable time - and once we have been able to present a mutually agreed solution, which will include Nastassja Kinski, will we make the film available again."

In response, Kinski's lawyer told the AFP news agency that the move was "long overdue" and that he "welcomed" the decision, but regrets "that it has only happened as result of public pressure".

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Wrong Move was the second part of Wenders's Road Movie trilogy, and followed an aspiring young writer exploring his native country and starting to define his vocation. It included a sexualised scene with Kinski and a male co-star in his 30s.

While receiving a lifetime achievement honour at the German Film Awards last week, Wenders used his speech to tell the audience he was "struggling" with whether to permanently cut the scene out of the film, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter.

Kinski has had a long and successful film career, and re-teamed with Wenders on his 1984 film Paris, Texas. Most recently she has been part of the voice cast on Netflix series Castlevania: Nocturne.

Check out more of our Film coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.

Authors

Black and white cut-out portrait headshot of James Hibbs, smiling against a lime green background.

James HibbsDrama Writer

James Hibbs is a Drama Writer for Radio Times, covering programmes across both streaming platforms and linear channels. He previously worked in PR, first for a B2B agency and subsequently for international TV production company Fremantle. He possesses a BA in English and Theatre Studies and an NCTJ Level 5 Diploma in Journalism.

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