Josh Gad lines up Holocaust drama lead as “Wonder Man” cameo grabs attention

Josh Gad is stepping into one of the most demanding roles of his career while also fueling chatter with a high-profile, self-parodying TV cameo. In late-January developments, he was announced as the lead of a World War II–era feature built around the real-life story of Kurt Gerron, and he also became a focal point of a genre-bending episode in Marvel’s “Wonder Man.” The same week brought a more personal moment as Gad joined fellow performers in mourning Catherine O’Hara after news of her death.

Josh Gad to play Kurt Gerron in “Gerron’s Last Film”

Gad is set to star as Kurt Gerron in “Gerron’s Last Film,” a historical drama centered on the Jewish actor-director who was imprisoned during the Holocaust and forced to participate in a propaganda project intended to whitewash conditions inside the Theresienstadt ghetto.

The film is being directed by Simon Curtis. Production timing has been described as targeting later in 2026, with European locations mentioned in initial planning. Beyond the headline premise, additional details—supporting cast, financing, and a precise shoot date—have not been fully confirmed publicly.

The significance for Gad is clear: the project moves him into heavier dramatic territory anchored in documented history. It’s also a story that demands careful handling, since it intersects with the ethics of coercion, survival, and artistic work under extreme duress.

A “Wonder Man” episode turns him into the punchline—and the hook

Gad also became a talking point in Marvel’s “Wonder Man,” appearing as an exaggerated version of himself in a standout episode built around fame, ego, and the entertainment industry’s treatment of outsiders.

Recent interviews connected to the show indicate the plot played with audience expectations about his character’s fate, while leaving a door open for a potential return if the series continues. That uncertainty—paired with the show’s satirical tone—helped the cameo land as more than a quick wink, giving viewers a memorable “did that just happen?” moment that has traveled widely online.

For Gad, the cameo underscores a lane he’s long used to his advantage: leaning into public perception, then twisting it into something funnier, stranger, or sharper than the audience expects.

An emotional week in comedy after Catherine O’Hara’s death

Another major headline in the same news cycle was the death of actor and comedian Catherine O’Hara, who died on Friday, Jan. 30, 2026 (ET), at age 71 after a brief illness.

Gad posted a grief-stricken tribute on social media, echoing a wider outpouring from colleagues across film and television. O’Hara’s influence—spanning decades in sketch comedy, feature films, and prestige TV—made the reaction feel less like a typical celebrity news beat and more like a collective farewell from multiple generations of performers.

While Gad’s message was personal, it also reflected how tightly connected the comedy world can be: collaborations overlap, friendships carry across projects, and the loss of a defining figure becomes a shared moment.

What else is on Gad’s 2026 slate

The latest announcements fit into a busy stretch that blends prestige, comedy, and voice work:

• A major historical drama lead that will likely require extended prep and a location shoot overseas.

• Ongoing franchise visibility through animated and family titles, where Gad remains a familiar voice and presence.

• New film development tied to earlier comments that a Chris Farley biopic has been an active priority, with timing discussed around early 2026 but not locked publicly.

Taken together, the through-line is range: Gad continues to bounce between broad comedy and projects that ask for a different kind of emotional precision.

What to watch next

With multiple tracks moving at once, the next concrete updates will likely come in three areas:

• Casting and production logistics for “Gerron’s Last Film,” including confirmed shoot dates and additional roles.

• Renewal decisions and creative direction for “Wonder Man,” which would clarify whether Gad’s storyline continues.

• Release windows and festival plans once the drama’s production schedule becomes official.

For now, the headline is the contrast: Gad is simultaneously chasing one of the weightiest stories he’s ever taken on while remaining a reliable spark in pop-culture comedy.

Sources consulted: Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, Entertainment Weekly, Marvel.com