Netflix's Sleeping Dog (Schlafende Hunde) is a gripping German limited series featuring an exceptional cast. Written by Christoph Darnstädt, this crime thriller spans six episodes and follows the journey of a former police officer suffering from amnesia. Teaming up with a rookie prosecutor, they delve into a closed murder case that turns out to be intricately connected to a conspiracy within the police department and the justice system. As they become more deeply involved, their lives are put in danger. The series is based on the 2016 Israeli show The Exchange Principle (Ikaron HaHachlafa) by Noah Stallman and Oden Davidoff.
This marks Netflix's second collaboration with Real Film Berlin, following their acclaimed limited series Unorthodox, which was adapted from a true story. The six intense episodes of Sleeping Dog not only captivate with their gripping and emotionally charged plotlines, but also owe their success to the exceptional cast. Their performances have kept viewers engaged and fully immersed in the unfolding events on screen.
Max Reimelt as Mike Atlas
Mike Atlas: From Cop to Trauma Survivor and Truth Seeker
Luise von Finckh as Jule Andergast
Meet Mike Atlas, a former cop who has found himself living in a trailer, estranged from his family in the aftermath of a devastating terrorist bombing attack. Despite his challenging circumstances, Mike Atlas remains steadfast in his determination to uncover the truth behind the tragedy. However, he faces not only external obstacles but also grapples with his own inner demons and trauma.
Bringing this complex character to life is Max Reimelt, renowned for his portrayal of Wolfgang Bogdanow in the immensely popular Netflix series Sense8. Reimelt's talent and versatility have been showcased in various other notable roles, including Friedrich Weimer in the compelling film Before The Fall, Marco in the thought-provoking political drama The Wave, and Bruder Krapp in the critically acclaimed movie Sanctuary. Most recently, he captivated audiences alongside Keanu Reeves as Shepherd in The Matrix Resurrection, a film brought to life by the talented duo behind Sense8, The Wachowskis.
As Mike Atlas navigates his tumultuous journey, audiences are bound to be enthralled by the compelling performance delivered by Max Reimelt. Stay tuned to witness the unveiling of both the character's internal struggles and his relentless pursuit of the truth.
Joining the cast of Sleeping Dog is Jule Andergast, a rookie prosecutor who teams up with Mike Atlas to uncover a conspiracy. Andergast's determination to find the truth knows no bounds, even if it puts her in danger. The character is played by Luise von Finckh, renowned for her role as Clara Weiss in the gripping psychological thriller series Vienna Blood. Additionally, she has been seen in the TV miniseries Das Begräbnis as Jacqueline Hell, as Mel in the TV series Milk & Honey, and as Rosi in the TV series Schloss Einstein, which revolves around the lives of students at a boarding school in Ekfurt.
Carlo Ljubek as Luca Zaric
Joining the Sleeping Dog cast as Luca Zaric, Atlas’ longtime friend and former colleague at the police department, is Carlo Ljubek. Ljubek has a rich history of showcasing his talent in crime and psychological thrillers. He is widely recognized for his compelling portrayal of Hamid in the thriller Luna, as well as his captivating performance as Miro in the crime series Skylines and Niko Sander in the crime drama series Über die Grenze. Additionally, Ljubek's versatile acting skills have garnered attention in the comedy series Atles Geld, where he portrayed the character Rasko. Most recently, he showcased his talent as Tom in the gripping drama miniseries Safe.
Antonio Wannek as Roland “Socke” Sokowski
Roland Sokowski, also known as "Socke," used to work alongside Atlas at the police department. He was present during the bombing incident and is now part of the conspiracy. The character of Roland Sokowski is played by Antonio Wannek, who is famous for his role as Hans Kuscha in the critically acclaimed series Dogs of Berlin. Additionally, Wannek has showcased his acting talent in other notable shows such as In the Name of Law, where he portrayed Markus in the crime drama series, and Pfarrer Braun, where he played the character of Armin Knopp in the crime-comedy series. Furthermore, he appeared as Cem in the crime drama series Marnow Murders and took on the role of Mike Seidel in the crime drama The Old Fox.
Melodie Wakivuamina as Britney Adebayo
Joining the Sleeping Dog cast as Britney Adebayo, a rookie police officer who is taken under the wing of veteran officers Socke and Zaric, is up-and-coming actress Melodie Wakivuamina. She gained prominence for her portrayal of the lovable Kira in the popular romantic-comedy series Strings Attached. Wakivuamina has also showcased her talent in other notable projects such as Über die Grenze, where she brilliantly portrayed the character of Maria Otega, and Der Lehrer, where she brought to life the character of Elani Kabongo. Additionally, audiences may recognize Wakivuamina for her hilarious performance as Steffi in the comedy film, The Pool. Furthermore, she left a lasting impression by playing the role of Young Antigone in the compelling drama, Domina.
Martin Wuttke as Klaus Hartloff
Playing the role of Klaus Hartloff, a powerful and well-connected defense lawyer, actor Martin Wuttke is embroiled in the reopening case of Atlas and Andergast. As one of the main suspects in the conspiracy, Hartloff dismisses the need for further investigation. Wuttke, renowned for his portrayal of Adolf Hitler in Quentin Tarantino's Inglorious Basterds, showcases his versatility by also appearing in Cloud Atlas as Mr. Boerhaave, a Guard, and Leary the Healer. Additionally, he shares the screen with Max Reimelt in Sense8, playing the character Volker Bohm.
Sleeping Dog Supporting Cast & Characters
Peri Baumeister joins the cast of Sleeping Dog as Lenni Atlas, Atlas' estranged wife. Baumeister is most recognized for her role as Nadja in the thrilling drama Blood Red Sky. She has also showcased her talents as Elisabeth Heisenberg in the historical series The Saboteurs, and as Paula in Hello.
Melika Foroutan takes on the character of Corinna Steck, Andergast's boss and district attorney. She portrays a highly condescending and racially prejudiced individual. Foroutan has impressed audiences with her performances as Sophie in the TV series The Empress, Varvara in the adventure series Tribes of Europa, and as the lead character Pari in the film Pari, where she embarks on a search for her missing son in Athens.
Helgi Schmid has officially joined the cast of Sleeping Dog, where he will be portraying the character of Tom Schlefski. Tom happens to be the love interest of Andergast and also an investigator who takes a keen interest in the happenings of the KDD 49th precinct and Corinna Steck. Schmid is widely recognized for his exceptional portrayal of Daniel Winter in the popular crime drama series Professor T. Additionally, he has made noteworthy appearances in multiple roles on the crime drama series Tatort, as well as in the comedy One Night Off, where he portrayed the character Baumi.