Pumukl illustrator Barbara von Johnson and director Marcus H. Rosenmüller at the premiere of the film “Pumuckl and the Big Misunderstanding”.Image: imago
A goblin with cheeky sayings who is lovable and funny? You can see it in the cinema right now. Do we all need a little pumuckl in our lives right now?
November 2, 2025, 7:36 p.mNovember 2, 2025, 7:36 p.m
Pumuckl on the 1? In fact, “Pumuckl and the Big Misunderstanding” has the best chance of landing at the top of the cinema charts. Not only children, but also many adults love the Klabautermann, which was created by the author Ellis Kaut around 60 years ago and drawn by Barbara von Johnson. What is the appeal of these stories from Munich-Lehel full of warmth, affection and funny jokes from the cheeky goblin?
Let’s let Pumuckl answer for himself – in the form of Maximilian Schafroth, who voices him in the film and in the RTL series. “I think there’s something comforting about it,” says the cabaret artist. «Then you see two people in a workshop, one is making a chair and the other is grumpy and making nonsense. How simple life could be sometimes,” he muses, “a little form of escapism.”
When Pumuckl and Emily keep order
A feeling that media psychologist Markus Huff shares, especially in times of wars, global warming and attacks on democracy. “In phases of social or personal uncertainty, people often look for stability and emotional relief,” says the deputy director of the Leibniz Institute for Knowledge Media in Tübingen. “Films like ‘Pumuckl’ or series like ‘Emily in Paris’ can offer exactly that – they are predictable, emotionally clearly structured and convey a feeling of order and security.”
Leonard Reinecke, Professor of Media Effects and Media Psychology at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, explains why this relief is so important, especially today: “The negative news that we are experiencing today has a lot more to do with our own lives than it did a few years ago.”
Allow well-being?
But can you ignore all the suffering and have fun? “It’s completely human to seek well-being,” says Schafroth. “That doesn’t mean that you close your eyes, but that people can only function if they allow themselves to be well. Only then can I see clearly again.”
Maximilian Schafroth lends his voice to Pumukel.Image: imago
Expert Huff also recommends this: “Temporarily “immersing” yourself in fictional worlds – be it in a film, a book or a radio play – can help you gain distance, regulate your emotions or develop new perspectives.»
Escape from everyday life even without a happy ending
Media psychologist Reinecke also believes that “temporary escapes from everyday life” are important. This doesn’t just work with a funny Klabautermann or romance. Crime novels or true crime formats can also make you think differently, “everything that takes a lot of our attention, upsets us and draws us into a narrative”. Then it doesn’t always have to be a happy ending.
Just have fun, for pleasure, without any meaningful message? Some people think it’s too shallow. “Entertainment has a bad reputation, especially in Germany,” observed Reinecke. But that is a very puritanical view of what is important in life. His advice: “You should definitely be able to treat yourself to it.” You can’t always just be performance-oriented.
The Pumuckl in all of us
Pumuckl director Marcus H. Rosenmüller creates exactly these breathing spaces with his endearing, heartwarming goblin story, which also has a deeper level. “Solidarity, friendship, lightness, mischievousness, a positive attitude towards this life and trust – these are values that we like to convey,” says the filmmaker.
And there is a bit of a goblin in all people: “Pumuckl is the part of Eder and of us that is selfish and narcissistic, but also curious and joyful.”
Bittersweet nostalgia
For many adults, Pumuckl adds something: nostalgia. Suddenly you’re eight years old again and know the sayings from radio plays and TV series inside out, from a time that seems so simple looking back. “Nostalgia is a bittersweet experience,” says Reinecke. “For many of us, childhood is associated with ease, with being protected, with positive memories.”
Thoughts of the past as medicine for troubled souls? Such memories could evoke feelings of comfort, security or social connection, Huff confirms. “Nostalgic media experiences can mobilize emotional resources, especially in uncertain times.”
With Pumuckl to calmness
So can you learn something from Pumuckl? “That you are a bit relaxed,” says Florian Brückner, in the film and series the carpenter Florian Eder, nephew of the old master Eder.
In the role, he not only took over his late uncle’s workshop, but also some life wisdom: “Don’t always take everything to heart,” advises Brückner. “If there is a conflict, you can just talk about it, take a breather, slow down.”
Pumuckl himself also has a tip for well-being, as he proclaims in a poem: “Such a piece of chocolate, yes, that’s pure happiness.”