Herschel Steinschneider / Erik Jan Hanussen (played by Tim Roth) is a protagonist in Invincible.
An epic con-man and supposed mystic who runs a cabaret variety show. He manages Zishe by disguising him as the Aryan strongman Siegfried to appeal to Nazi clientele. He abuses Marta and later attempts to discredit Zishe by falsely claiming his own mystical powers drive the feats. Eventually exposed as a Jewish con artist, he is kidnapped and murdered by the Brownshirts. Zishe Breitbart (played by Jouko Ahola) is a protagonist in Invincible.
The protagonist, a fantastically strong Orthodox Jewish blacksmith's son from Poland. Recruited to Berlin for his strength, he performs as Siegfried under Hanussen. After a visit from his brother Benjamin, he proudly removes his blonde wig mid-performance to declare his Jewish identity as a new Jewish Samson. He later returns to Poland to warn Jews of the impending Holocaust but dies from an infected wound shortly after Hitler takes power.
Invincible (2001) character relationship network mapped with AI analysis. Explore the connections, alliances, and conflicts between characters.
Characters
Herschel Steinschneider / Erik Jan Hanussen
(played by Tim Roth) — protagonist
An epic con-man and supposed mystic who runs a cabaret variety show. He manages Zishe by disguising him as the Aryan strongman Siegfried to appeal to Nazi clientele. He abuses Marta and later attempts...
Zishe Breitbart
(played by Jouko Ahola) — protagonist
The protagonist, a fantastically strong Orthodox Jewish blacksmith's son from Poland. Recruited to Berlin for his strength, he performs as Siegfried under Hanussen. After a visit from his brother Benj...
Key Relationships
Herschel Steinschneider / Erik Jan Hanussen → Zishe Breitbart
(Professional Talent Agent)
Story Analysis
A Jewish strongman's journey from exploited stage performer to tragic prophet of the Holocaust.
