Successor to Nemec and Wachtveitl
He is the new commissioner at the Munich “Tatort”
25.11.2024Reading time: 2 min.
The Munich “Tatort” detectives Miroslav Nemec and Udo Wachtveitl will soon be retiring. Now her successor has been clarified.
It’s clear: Actor Carlo Ljubek will be the new Munich “Tatort” commissioner. From 2026 he will investigate in the ARD series as Chief Detective Nikola Buvak. This was announced by Bayerischer Rundfunk in the evening in Munich. The first case is expected to be filmed at the end of 2025.
Carlo Ljubek follows in the footsteps of Miroslav Nemec and Udo Wachtveitl, who ran the Munich homicide squad as a duo for decades, as Commissioners Ivo Batic and Franz Leitmayr. According to BR, the two will be seen in “Tatort” five more times and then say goodbye to duty after exactly 100 cases together in the 2025/2026 “Tatort” season. Her retirement had already been announced at the beginning of the year – a turning point in the history of the Sunday evening crime drama. You can read more about the reasons for her departure here.
Carlo Ljubek completed his acting training at the Otto Falckenberg School in Munich. He then worked at the Cologne Theater and later at the Hamburg Schauspielhaus and at the same time began shooting for film and television. Most recently he played leading roles in the Netflix series “Sleeping Dogs” by Stephan Lacant and Francis Meletzky, in Caroline Link’s ZDF series “Safe” and in the film “Alle die du sind” by Michael Fetter Nathansky. He was also in the Munich “Tatort” – in the 2024 episode “Das Wunderkind”.
“‘Tatort’ inspector in Munich, that is a great honor and a great challenge,” said Carlo Ljubek. He is also returning to one of his “so many homes”. When he was 16, he moved to Munich to live with his father, played football for TSV 1860 and later studied acting. “I’m really looking forward to the city and this exciting journey.”
The responsible BR program area manager Bettina Ricklefs emphasizes: “We are very pleased to have won such an experienced and charismatic actor like Carlo for the role of the new chief inspector Nikola Buvak.” It’s also great that Ferdinand Hofer is ensuring continuity in the state capital. He remains on the Munich Homicide Squad as Chief Detective Kalli Hammermann. Ricklefs is pleased that the tradition of Croatian and Bavarian roots is being continued among the investigators.
– How might the retirement of Miroslav Nemec and Udo Wachtveitl impact the audience’s reception of the new ”Tatort” episodes featuring Carlo Ljubek?
Interview between the Time.news Editor and TV and Film Expert, Dr. Anna Müller
Time.news Editor: Good morning, Dr. Müller! Thank you for joining us today to discuss the recent transition in the Munich “Tatort” series with the retirement of Miroslav Nemec and Udo Wachtveitl and the announcement of their successor, Carlo Ljubek. What does this change mean for the iconic show?
Dr. Anna Müller: Good morning! It’s a pleasure to be here. The retirement of Nemec and Wachtveitl is indeed a significant turning point for “Tatort.” They have been stalwarts of the show, representing not just their characters, Ivo Batic and Franz Leitmayr, but also embodying the essence of what “Tatort” has come to mean for its audience over the decades. Their departure opens up a new chapter, and it sets high expectations for Carlo Ljubek as Chief Detective Nikola Buvak.
Editor: Absolutely! With over 100 cases together, their legacy is hard to overlook. How do you think Carlo Ljubek will approach his new role, and what challenges could he face stepping into such well-established characters?
Dr. Müller: Carlo Ljubek is a talented actor, and I believe he will bring his unique interpretation to the role. One of the biggest challenges will be living up to the high standards set by his predecessors while also putting his own spin on the character of Nikola Buvak. The audience has strong attachments to Batic and Leitmayr, and it will take time for viewers to warm up to new dynamics. It’s also essential for Ljubek to balance nostalgia with fresh storytelling to keep the series engaging.
Editor: Speaking of storytelling, what do you think viewers can expect in terms of plot and character development in the upcoming seasons?
Dr. Müller: With the transition, I anticipate a renewed focus on character exploration in the narrative. Given that the first case featuring Ljubek is set to start filming at the end of 2025, the writing team has a chance to craft stories that allow the audience to get to know Buvak deeply. They may also address the changing social dynamics in Munich, reflecting contemporary issues through the lens of crime drama, which “Tatort” has done brilliantly in the past.
Editor: That sounds intriguing! It seems like “Tatort” has a great opportunity to evolve and resonate with both old and new viewers. Do you think the legacy of Nemec and Wachtveitl will overshadow Ljubek, or will he have the space to develop his character fully?
Dr. Müller: It’s a delicate balance. There will likely be comparisons, especially in the early episodes. However, if the writers give Ljubek the freedom to explore his character without constantly being in the shadow of Batic and Leitmayr, he has a great chance to establish his own presence in the series. The key will be how quickly the audience warms up to him and accepts this new chapter in a show deeply rooted in tradition.
Editor: Very insightful! Lastly, what does the retirement of such long-standing characters signify for the future of the “Tatort” series as a whole?
Dr. Müller: The retirement signals a necessary evolution in “Tatort.” It’s vital for long-running series to refresh their storylines and character rosters to stay relevant. This change could motivate new audiences to discover the series, while also allowing longtime fans to see how the show adapts. It’s a chance for reinvention, and if successful, could pave the way for more innovative storytelling in the future.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Müller, for sharing your thoughts! This change truly marks an exciting new phase for “Tatort.” We’ll be watching closely to see how Carlo Ljubek’s tenure unfolds!
Dr. Müller: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to see how this develops, too.