Did you know that Luxembourg has its own superhero? If you have never heard of De Superjhemp (sometimes written Superchamp in English), you’re in for a treat.
Superjhemp: A Uniquely Luxembourgish Superhero
Superjhemp Background
Superjhemp was first launched in 1988 as a superhero in a comic strip. The character was first created by illustrator Roger Leiner and writer Lucien Czuga. Since then, he has appeared in over 29 graphic novels that have the highest sales rate for Luxembourgish publications.
The Superjhemp Story
Feature Film
Because of the comic story’s wildly popular place in Luxembourg culture, it made sense to turn the comic book into a film.
The project was launched by Samsa Films, Luxembourg’s largest film production company. The 2018 film’s producer is Claude Warringo, and the director is Félix Koch, both native Luxembourgers. It took 30 days to shoot the film. However, with a 3.5 million Euro budget, De Superjhemp Retörns had the highest production budget in Luxembourg film history. The film also had the highest box office takehome for a Luxembourg film in the country’s history, beating out American superhero blockbusters like Avengers: Infinity War and The Incredibles 2. It is also considered the most popular film in the Luxembourgish language.
De Superjhemp Retörns
At the start of the film, we find the “the Little Duke, Luke” about to be crowned monarch after his father’s tragic accident. When the Little Duke’s crown disappears, the Little Duchy has one person they can turn to: Superjhemp! A now much older Charles Kuddel has to decide his place in helping his country.
See the Film
We recently had the opportunity to finally get our hands on a copy of De Superjhemp Retörns. It is absolutely hilarious and full of Luxembourgish inside jokes that anyone who knows a good bit about the culture will appreciate.
Fortunately, the film is also available with English subtitles. Unfortunately, it is not possible at this time to purchase or stream the film online outside of Luxembourg. You can find the DVD of De Superjhemp Retörns in bookstores throughout Luxembourg City.
Samsa Films is also behind one of our favorite Luxembourgish TV Series, “Capitani” which is available with English subtitles. Click here to stream the series.
Update 12/17/2021: For the first time ever, De Superjhemp is currently streaming on Amazon Prime Video in the United States under the name Superchamp Returns! This is the first time Luxembourg’s biggest budget film in its history is available in the US. The film is included for anyone with a Prime Membership. Click here to stream the movie on Amazon Prime.