Michael Herbig’s 'Canoe of Manitou' Secures Bavarian Film Award as 2025’s Biggest Box Office Hit

The State Chancellery in Munich officially announced on Tuesday that Michael "Bully" Herbig’s latest comedic venture, "Canoe of Manitou," has been honored with the 2025 Bavarian Film Award in the "Highest Grossing Film" category. This cinematic sequel achieved a remarkable milestone in 2025, distinguishing itself as the sole German production to surpass the five-million-ticket threshold. By the end of its run, the film successfully attracted a total of 5.06 million theatergoers, cementing its status as a commercial powerhouse in the domestic market.

This prestigious accolade recognizes Herbig’s exceptional ability to build upon the legacy of his 2001 cult classic, "Manitou's Shoe," a film that remains one of the most successful post-war German productions with approximately 11.7 million viewers. The jury specifically lauded the new installment for its sharp wit, meticulous visual craftsmanship, and effortless narrative flow. Serving as the project's writer, director, and producer, Herbig seamlessly integrated his creative vision with astute entrepreneurial management. The award highlights the enduring charm of German cinema and its capacity to produce blockbuster comedies that resonate deeply with a broad, diverse audience.

Established by the Bavarian government in 1979, the Bavarian Film Award stands as one of the most esteemed and well-funded honors in the German film industry, boasting a total prize pool of 300,000 euros distributed across eleven distinct categories. The formal presentation for the 2025 awards is scheduled to take place during a gala ceremony on January 23, 2026, at the historic Prinzregententheater in Munich. Herbig, who reprised his iconic role as the Apache chief Abahachi, has achieved a level of commercial success unseen in German cinema since the 2019 release of "The Perfect Secret." This accomplishment is particularly noteworthy given the dramatic shifts in media consumption and the rise of streaming services since the original film debuted twenty-five years ago.

"Canoe of Manitou" continues the satirical tradition of parodying Karl May’s classic Westerns, a journey that began with the original treasure map intrigue involving Abahachi and his blood brother Ranger, played by Christian Tramitz. The sequel saw the return of the beloved trio—Herbig, Tramitz, and Rick Kavanian—to their signature roles. Released on August 14, 2025, the film was a collaborative effort produced by herbX film in co-production with Constantin Film, with additional support from RTL, FFF, FFA, and DFFF. The film's success extended beyond Germany; in Austria, it surpassed 300,000 viewers to earn the "Golden Ticket," while its total reach across the German-speaking region exceeded six million spectators.

Beyond the box office category, the Bavarian Film Awards celebrate a wide range of excellence in German filmmaking, with the "Best Production" (Produzentenpreis) offering the most substantial individual prize of 200,000 euros. Winners receive a distinctive trophy: a porcelain figurine of the Commedia dell'arte character Pierrot, crafted at the renowned Nymphenburg Porcelain Manufactory in Munich. Herbig’s triumph at this year's awards further solidifies his reputation as a pivotal figure in modern German cinema. His success demonstrates that the comedy genre remains a vital and lucrative force in the current theatrical marketplace, capable of drawing massive crowds even in a digital-first era.

The enduring popularity of these characters suggests a unique cultural connection between the filmmaker and the audience. By blending nostalgia with contemporary humor, Herbig has managed to bridge a generational gap, bringing back fans of the original while capturing the interest of a new demographic. This latest recognition at the Bavarian Film Awards serves as a testament to the high production standards and creative ingenuity that continue to define the best of German-language entertainment.