Elevator Boys Release Trailer for Debut Film ‘Back to the 90s’ (EXCLUSIVE)

The Elevator Boys, a German ensemble that has masterfully transitioned from social media sensation to recording artists, have unveiled the first official trailer for their upcoming debut feature film, "Back to the 90s." The project is slated to hit screens on August 21, marking a significant leap for a group whose origins trace back to 2021, when they began posting playful, elevator-set clips that resonated with millions and turned them into overnight digital celebrities.

The movie, produced in German and available via Prime Video, centers on five inseparable friends—Matteo (Julien Brown), Jonas (Tim Schäcker), Chris (Luis Freitag), Ben (Jacob Rott), and Oliver (Bene Schulz)—who are on the cusp of boy band stardom when a single misstep threatens to derail their dreams. In a fitting twist, an elevator ride catapults them back to 1995, plunging them into a whirlwind of retro dance parties, clunky vintage Apple computers, and unexpected romantic entanglements. The trailer teases a chaotic, nostalgia-soaked journey as the group navigates the decade's quirks while trying to find their way home.

The supporting cast brings considerable depth to the production, featuring Felicitas Woll, Anja Pichler, Luise Aschenbrenner, Sidney Fahlisch, Helena von Have, and Derya Akyol. One standout element is the film's title track, "1995," penned by Gary Barlow, the celebrated frontman of Take That, the British pop titans who defined much of the era the movie celebrates. Barlow's involvement adds a layer of authentic 90s pop credibility, a smart choice for a project steeped in nostalgia. Facundo Scalerandi directs from a screenplay and original concept by Juliana Lima Dehne, with producers Johanna Bergel, Benjamin Benedict, and Quirin Berg, alongside executive producer Ralf Zimmermann. Notably, Barlow's career spans decades, from his early days with Take That in the early 90s to his songwriting success for artists like Robbie Williams and Elton John, making him a fitting collaborator for a film that leans heavily on the era's musical legacy.

Behind the lens, the team includes cinematographer Borris Kehl, costume designer Kaya Kürten, production designer Cora Pratz, and makeup artist Kim Deguara, all working under the banner of W&B Television—a Leonine Studios company within the Mediawan Group—in partnership with Amazon MGM Studios Germany for Prime Video. This collaboration highlights a broader industry shift: digital-native creators are increasingly crossing into traditional entertainment, a trajectory that has proven lucrative for those with substantial online followings. For context, the Elevator Boys have amassed 48 million followers across social platforms, a fanbase that provides a built-in audience for their film ventures, a strategy that has worked for other creators like the D'Amelio family and the Sidemen.

Since their viral elevator clips, the Elevator Boys have expanded their footprint significantly, venturing into music with the 2024 EP "Scared to Love," released through their own label, and a cover of "Jingle Bell Rock" that has surpassed 25 million streams. A particularly memorable moment came last year when a video of the group slicing a cake shaped like Heidi Klum's head at her Halloween party drew nearly 11 million views after Variety shared it on social media. This blend of humor, music, and offbeat antics has solidified their reputation as versatile entertainers. "Back to the 90s" represents their most ambitious project yet, aiming to translate their signature charm into a feature-length format—a calculated risk that, given their track record, appears well-positioned for success. As digital platforms continue to blur the lines between online fame and mainstream media, this film could serve as a blueprint for other creators eyeing the big screen.