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Fritz Lang

Character

Fritz Lang is a Jewish film director living on the far side of the Gate, seen only in the movie Conqueror of Shamballa. He wears the face of the man from whom the 2003 anime's Pride was fashioned, and he takes his name and trade from the real Austrian director of the same era.

English Voice: Ed Blaylock
Japanese Voice: Hidekatsu Shibata
Born: Austria, Earth
Species: Human
First Appearance: Conqueror of Shamballa
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Appearance

Lang is the near-perfect double of Amestris' Führer, King Bradley, which is precisely what pulls Edward Elric to him on a Munich street. A monocle rests over his left eye, though in his case the eye beneath is entirely genuine, carrying none of the ouroboros mark that defines his alchemical counterpart.

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Personality

Weary and clear-eyed, Lang has made a private peace with a world sliding toward war. He refuses to raise a hand against the rising Nazi movement, choosing instead to look away and, as he coolly admits, to be on hand with a camera when the next conflict inevitably erupts. That detachment enrages Edward, who accuses him of holding himself above the rest of the world. He is fond of games as well, hiding behind the alias Mabuse, lifted from the criminal mastermind of his own films, until Edward digs his real name out of a newspaper.

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History

Driving through Munich, Lang catches Edward's eye through his uncanny likeness to King Bradley, and the young alchemist chases the car down on foot, forcing it to a halt with a roadblock. Rather than take offense, Lang, long used to being stopped as a Jew, calmly explains that he is bound for a ruined castle in search of a dragon to inspire his next picture, and he asks Edward to drive. The dragon turns out to be Envy in monstrous form, and a raid by the Thule Society ends with the pair captured and Edward knocked out. Later Lang summons Edward to the UFA studio in Berlin, where he shows off an animatronic dinosaur made lifelike by Envy, produces a photograph of a uranium bomb Edward recognizes, and warns him about the Nazi Party so the boy will keep clear of their plans. When Nazi members corner Edward in a beer hall, Lang rescues him by ramming his car through the wall, and he later flies Edward over the Thule Society's factory so he can drop in and confront them. His ultimate fate is left unstated.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What happened to Fritz Lang's eye?

Nothing happened to Fritz Lang's eye. Unlike his physical double, King Bradley, the eye beneath his monocle is entirely genuine and carries none of the ouroboros mark that defines Bradley as a homunculus.

Who is Fritz Lang in Fullmetal Alchemist?

Fritz Lang is a Jewish film director living on the far side of the Gate, appearing only in the 2003 anime film Conqueror of Shamballa. He wears the face used to create the anime's King Bradley and is based on the real Austrian filmmaker of the same name.

How does Edward Elric first meet Fritz Lang?

Edward Elric spots Fritz Lang driving through Munich and is struck by his uncanny resemblance to King Bradley. Edward chases the car on foot and forces it to stop with a roadblock.

What alias does Fritz Lang use?

Fritz Lang hides behind the alias Mabuse, borrowed from the criminal mastermind of his own films, until Edward Elric uncovers his real name in a newspaper.

How does Fritz Lang help Edward Elric against the Thule Society?

Fritz Lang rescues Edward Elric from Nazi Party members in a beer hall by ramming his car through the wall, and later flies him over the Thule Society's factory so Edward can drop in and confront them.

Sources & Information

Looking for more on Fritz Lang? The Fullmetal Alchemist Wiki on Fandom has a dedicated page with community notes.

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This content is original writing by Daddy Jim Headquarters based on the Fullmetal Alchemist anime series, manga, and official materials. Fullmetal Alchemist was created by Hiromu Arakawa, published by Square Enix, and animated by Bones. All rights to Fullmetal Alchemist and its characters belong to their respective owners. Episode and chapter references are cited where applicable.

Rights holders

All rights belong to their respective owners.

Character and scene imagery on this site is original artwork by Daddy Jim Headquarters, not screenshots or licensed imagery. Official cover art is used on three types of pages for editorial commentary:

  • Movie pages: theatrical posters and key visuals, credited to Bones and Square Enix.
  • Game pages: official box art, credited to the game's respective publishers.
  • Manga chapter pages: volume covers, credited to Square Enix and Hiromu Arakawa.

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