Lesley Paterson Penning Feature Film About Bertha Benz (Exclusive)

All Quiet on the Western Front co-writer Lesley Paterson will pen the script for a feature film based on a VR experience about the life of Bertha Benz, the wife of the “father of the modern car,” Carl Benz.

Paterson, who co-wrote the nine-time Oscar-nominated picture (including best adapted screenplay), told The Hollywood Reporter that she was drawn to Benz’s story after joining the VR game Trailblazer: The Untold Story of Bertha Benz as an executive producer.

“It really is the DNA of the types of stories I like to tell,” the Scotswoman said. “Resilience, overcoming obstacles, doing something important. And obviously anything to do with female empowerment is my M.O.”

Emmy-nominated Eloise Singer from London-based Singer Studios is the director and creator of Trailblazer, which is getting its French premiere in Cannes‘ immersive competition and follows the wife of Karl Benz, inventor of the Motorwagen, or first modern automobile. Bertha embarked on the world’s first road trip in 1888, showcasing the car to the skeptical public and press but ultimately making history.

“We just got on so well,” Singer told THR about her relationship with Paterson, explaining that the two first connected years ago when Paterson was a guest on her podcast. “I think that’s what’s really exciting about taking something from VR and then expanding it into films is that no one’s really doing this yet.”

Daisy Ridley, of Star Wars fame, narrates the story as Bertha and is an executive producer on the film.

“We’ll definitely take it to [Netflix],” Paterson added when asked if the movie could get the All Quiet treatment. “I think the biggest thing is we just want the script first, because one of the things I’ve experienced as a writer and producer is if you go in without a script, you have less power in the deals.”

Trailblazer invites audiences to step into Bertha’s shoes, explore her workshop and assemble the engine that reshaped transportation. The VR experience first premiered at the Venice Film Festival and SXSW in 2024, before Ridley was attached.