The world-renowned canine detective is making his return: Production has commenced on “Rex – Vienna Calling,” which will feature the iconic TV dog in six full-length episodes set in Vienna.
Collaboratively produced by Beta Film, MR Film, Seven.One, and ORF, this new venture reinvents the beloved Rex franchise.
In this new installment, “Rex – Vienna Calling,” the crime-solving dog teams up with Detective Max Steiner, portrayed by Maximilian Brückner, known for his roles in “War Horse” and “Cherry Blossoms – Hanam.” Together, they’ll tackle even the most challenging cases within Austria’s picturesque capital.
Over the past three decades, Rex, the German shepherd, has transformed into an iconic four-legged detective, becoming a global sensation with a staggering 750 episodes across numerous international adaptations.
The original series, “Rex – A Cop’s Best Friend,” debuted in Vienna in 1994, featuring Tobias Moretti as the first canine companion to a detective. The complete 123 episodes have been dubbed into multiple languages, from Spanish to Mandarin, and distributed by Beta Film to nations around the globe. Many adaptations have emerged since, including “Hudson & Rex,” which currently stars Luke Roberts and has aired 136 episodes over eight seasons in North America. This series, produced by Shaftesbury, Pope, and Beta Film, is currently airing on Canada’s Citytv and has been distributed to over 120 territories. In Italy, the show “Il Commissario Rex” (also known as “Rex – A Cop’s Best Friend – Rome”) encompasses 92 episodes, while Poland’s “Komisarz Alex” (or “Inspector Alex”) has produced 255 episodes.
Producers Catrin Strasser and Oliver Auspitz from MR Film commented, “Vienna is famous for its cultural richness, stunning architecture, and dynamic arts scene. However, one series resonates profoundly: ‘Rex.’ This beloved franchise has thrived for over 30 years, with Rex solving crimes across Europe and North America. It’s time for our famous four-legged detective to come back home — where it first all started.”
Chief Distribution Officer at Beta Film, Oliver Bachert, stated: “Rex stands as one of the most cherished and successful TV franchises worldwide, a true classic. With ‘Rex – Vienna Calling,’ we aim to keep families entertained and engaged on their screens. Its universal appeal transcends cultural boundaries, “bridging gaps between languages,” as noted by The New Yorker regarding the original Austrian ‘Kommissar Rex.’ We anticipate that Rex’s incredible journey will endure and remain as captivating as it was at its inception.”
In “Rex – Vienna Calling,” the keen detective quickly picks up on leads with his impressive instincts and intellect. When danger arises, Rex is always poised to support his partner, Max Steiner. Along with Max’s colleague, Felix Burger (played by Ferdinand Seebacher, known for “Other People’s Money”), they face challenges, including the threat of a bomb in a high-rise, a spectacular diamond heist, and the mystery surrounding a baker’s tragic demise.
Supporting the homicide unit will be Evelyn Leitner, with directing credits shared by Esther Rauch (“Snow, Without a Trace – The Case of Nathalie B.”) and Andreas Kopriva (“Jeanny: The Fifth Girl”). The series is set to premiere in 2026 on Austria’s ORF and Germany’s SAT.1 (linear) as well as on the digital platform Joyn.
Produced by MR Film in collaboration with Seven.One and ORF, “Rex – Vienna Calling” is backed by funding from Fisa+, Fernsehfonds Austria, the Vienna Film Fund, and Lower Austria. Beta Film will manage international distribution.
