On July 16, 2025, the Verkehrshaus in Lucerne hosted the celebratory Swiss premiere of the animated film GRAND PRIX OF EUROPE, a co-production by Michael Mack - the film's producer, managing partner of Europa-Park, and CEO of MACK Magic - along with MACK Magic and Warner Bros. Film Productions Germany. Numerous guests from media, culture, and family entertainment experienced an evening filled with emotions, cinematic magic, and European pioneering spirit, as the traditional family company Mack opened a new chapter in Switzerland as creative film producers and visionary brand developers with a strong transmedia focus.
The Animated Film GRAND PRIX OF EUROPE
The 90-minute animated film brings the popular characters Ed and Edda from Europa-Park to the big screen for the first time. The fast-paced story revolves around Edda, who dreams of becoming a race car driver and suddenly finds herself behind the wheel to save her family. The film combines humor, emotion, and excitement into a cinematic experience for the whole family. The race stages traverse Europe, with one stop featuring the film heroes in Switzerland. The official cinema release in Switzerland, Germany, and Austria will take place on July 24, 2025. In the German-speaking region, the film is distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures Germany.
Star Cast and International Release
The premiere in Lucerne brought special joy to Swiss fans, as the well-known artist DJ BoBo once again lends his voice to the popular chamois Böckli in the film - a role he has already embodied excellently in previous Europa-Park productions. Jan Delay can also be heard in the German version, bringing the colorful parrot Enzo to life with his distinctive voice. The film was originally produced in English for the international market. In the original version, actress Gemma Arterton - known as the Bond girl from James Bond: Quantum of Solace - voices the quirky and lovable Edda. Ed is voiced by Thomas Brodie-Sangster, known from Game of Thrones. The role of race director Cindy is taken on by Hayley Atwell, known from films including Mission: Impossible and Captain America. Timeless Films distributes the film internationally. In France, a strong partner was found with distributor KMBO, where the film will be released on October 8, 2025. In North America, the film will be released in cooperation with Viva Kids on August 22, 2025. GRAND PRIX OF EUROPE is supported by DFFF.
The Transmedia Brand Experience
GRAND PRIX OF EUROPE is more than just a cinema film; it is the centerpiece of a transmedia brand experience. With an official video game, a book based on the film, an audio play with its own Tonie figure, exclusive collectible figures from Bullyland, as well as the new interactive family attraction “GRAND PRIX EDventure” at Europa-Park, the story surrounding Ed and Edda becomes accessible in various media formats.
Production and Musical Score
The musical score comes from Oscar-winning composer Volker Bertelmann. The film was directed by Waldemar Fast. It was produced under the leadership of MACK Magic at the animation studio of MACK Animation in Hannover, one of Europe's leading animation studios.
Statement from Michael Mack
Michael Mack, CEO of MACK Magic, emphasizes at the launch that their characters have long been part of European family entertainment and are taking their next big step with GRAND PRIX OF EUROPE, from the theme park to the cinema screen and straight into the hearts of viewers.
