The Tattooist of Auschwitz
Everything you need to know about the upcoming Sky Original drama, The Tattooist of Auschwitz: Cast, synopsis, release date
In May 2022, Sky and Peacock revealed that the best-selling novel of the same name, written by Heather Morris, is due to be turned into a limited TV series – hitting TV screens on 2 May 2024.
The Tattooist of Auschwitz is the story of one man, Lali (played by Jonah Hauer-King), a Slovakian Jew, who, in 1942, was deported to Auschwitz, the concentration camp where over a million Jews were murdered during the Holocaust.
Shortly after arrival, Lali was made one of the Tätowierer (tattooists), charged to ink identification numbers onto fellow prisoners’ arms. One day, he met Gita (played by Anna Próchniak) when tattooing her prisoner number on her arm, leading to a love that defies the horrors around them. So began a courageous and unforgettable, story. Under constant guard from a volatile Nazi SS officer Baretzki (played by Jonas Nay), Lali and Gita became determined to keep each other alive.
Around 60 years later, Lali (portrayed by Harvey Keitel) then in his 80s, met aspiring writer Heather Morris (played by Melanie Lynskey). Recently widowed, Lali found the courage to tell the world his story. In recounting his past to Heather, Lali finally confronted the traumatic ghosts of his youth and relived his memories of falling in love in the darkest of places.
Watch the official trailer
Is The Tattooist of Auschwitz inspired by a true story?
Yes. The TV series is an adaptation of the bestselling novel, The Tattooist of Auschwitz, which was written by Heather Morris and published in 2017. The book is based on the real-life story of Lali Sokolov, an Auschwitz survivor, who over three years of conversations with Morris, shared his story of life in the concentration camp, where more than a million Jews died. To date, the book has sold more than 12 million copies around the world.
Is The Tattooist of Auschwitz a movie?
No, The Tattooist of Auschwitz is a six-part limited event series, available to watch now on Sky Atlantic and NOW.
What is the release date for The Tattooist of Auschwitz?
The Tattooist of Auschwitz is available now on Sky Atlantic and NOW for those in the UK & Ireland.
Where can I watch The Tattooist of Auschwitz in the UK?
The Tattooist of Auschwitz is available exclusively on Sky Atlantic and NOW in the UK. The Tattooist of Auschwitz is not available to watch on Netflix and can only be watched on Sky in the UK.
Who is in the cast of The Tattooist of Auschwitz?
A number of cast members have been already been announced, including Jonah Hauer-King (The Little Mermaid, World on Fire) and Anna Próchniak (Baptiste, Warsaw 44) who are taking up the lead roles of Lali Sokolov and Gita Furman. Also starring in the series is Academy Award nominee Harvey Keitel (The Irishman, Youth) and Critics Choice Awards winner Melanie Lynskey (The Last of Us, Yellowjackets), respectively starring as modern-day Lali and Heather Morris.
How many episodes is The Tattooist of Auschwitz?
The Tattooist of Auschwitz is a six-episode event series, available now on Sky Atlantic.
Who is directing the series?
Award-winning director, Tali Shalom-Ezer, is directing all six episodes of the series. In a press release distributed by Sky, Shalom-Ezer said: “In Auschwitz, a factory of death and dehumanisation, Lali and Gita’s love story is an act of defiance. It is the choice to remain human. I’m inspired and honoured to bring this story to life, alongside the talented team of people assembled”.
The Music
Who composed the score?
Multi Academy Award-winning composer Hans Zimmer and Kara Talve have composed the original score for the six-part limited series. This makes The Tattooist of Auschwitz the first drama series to have a score fully composed by Hans Zimmer and Kara Talve.
Zimmer is known for his iconic soundtracks to movies including The Lion King, Rain Man, Gladiator and The Dark Knight.
Who sings the end title?
Global music icon Barbra Streisand has recorded a brand-new song, titled “Love Will Survive”, which will feature as the end title for the Sky TV series The Tattooist of Auschwitz. The song will be released globally on 25 April and is Streisand’s first ever recording for a TV series.
The Tattooist of Auschwitz available now on Sky Atlantic and NOW
Learn more about The Tattooist of Auschwitz
View the timeline of events in Auschwitz
Discover the cast and characters
Academy-award nominee Harvey Keitel on playing modern-day Lali Sokolov
A conversation with Gary Sokolov, son of Lali and Gita Sokolov
Jonah Hauer-King on playing Lali Sokolov, in his younger years
Anna Próchniak on playing Gita
Meet Heather Morris, author and story consultant for the series
Melanie Lynskey on playing Heather Morris
Jonas Nay on playing Stefan Baretzki
Discover the making of the show
Award-winning director Tali Shalom-Ezer on creating the show