Filming On 22 May 1925, Metropolis began principal photography with an initial budget of . Lang cast two unknowns with little film experience in the lead roles. Gustav Fröhlich (Freder) had worked in vaudeville and was originally employed as an extra on Metropolis before Thea von Harbou recommended him to Lang. Brigitte Helm (Maria) had been given a screen test by Lang after he met her on the set of Die Nibelungen, but would make her feature film debut with Metropolis. In the role of Joh Fredersen, Lang cast Alfred Abel, a noted stage and screen actor whom he had worked with on Dr. Mabuse the Gambler. Lang also cast his frequent collaborator Rudolph Klein-Rogge in the role of Rotwang. This was Klein-Rogge's fourth film with Lang, after Destiny, Dr. Mabuse the Gambler, and Die Nibelungen.
filming on 22 may 1925 metropolis began principal photography with an initial budget of  lang cast two unknowns with little film experience in the lead roles gustav fröhlich (freder) had worked in vaudeville and was originally employed as an extra on metropolis before thea von harbou recommended him to lang brigitte helm (maria) had been given a screen test by lang after he met her on the set of die nibelungen but would make her feature film debut with metropolis in the role of joh fredersen lang cast alfred abel a noted stage and screen actor whom he had worked with on dr mabuse the gambler lang also cast his frequent collaborator rudolph klein-rogge in the role of rotwang this was klein-rogge's fourth film with lang after destiny dr mabuse the gambler and die nibelungen