Singer Studios has announced the upcoming release of “Trailblazer,” a virtual reality experience that promises to transport viewers back to 19th century Germany. The project, helmed by Emmy-nominated filmmaker Eloise Singer, stars Daisy Ridley of “Star Wars” fame and tells the story of Bertha Benz, a pioneering figure in automotive history.

The VR experience focuses on Bertha Benz, wife of Karl Benz, inventor of the Motorwagen. While her husband grappled with self-doubt, Bertha took matters into her own hands. She embarked on a daring 120-kilometer journey, effectively conducting the world’s first road trip and showcasing the revolutionary vehicle to a skeptical public and press.

Director and Executive Producer Eloise Singer expressed her connection to the subject matter. “Bertha’s story struck a chord with me the moment I first read about her,” Singer stated. “This wasn’t just a test drive of the world’s first car; it was a daring statement about innovation and tenacity which changed the course of history.”

The project boasts an impressive lineup of executive producers, including BAFTA-winning and Oscar-nominated Lesley Paterson, known for her work on “All Quiet on the Western Front,” alongside Daisy Ridley and Eloise Singer herself, who previously received an Emmy nomination for “The Pirate Queen.”

“Trailblazer” has already garnered critical acclaim, having premiered at the Venice Film Festival and SXSW. The experience has been praised for its innovative storytelling approach and immersive design, allowing users to step into Bertha’s world, explore her workshop, and assemble the engine that would change transportation forever.

Ridley, who portrays Bertha Benz in the experience, shared her thoughts on the project. “Bertha’s determination and courage are incredibly inspiring,” the actress said. “It’s been such a privilege to step into her world and help tell her story. I hope audiences are as moved by her journey as I was while working on this project.”

Credit: Singer Studios. [Description: Exterior shot of a road fork]

The VR experience is just the beginning of what Singer Studios envisions as the “Trailblazer” franchise. Plans are in place to expand the story into a graphic novel series and a feature film, all executive produced by Singer, Paterson, and Ridley. These additional projects aim to delve deeper into Bertha Benz’s extraordinary journey and her lasting impact on history.

“Trailblazer” represents a confluence of historical significance and cutting-edge technology. By utilizing virtual reality, the creators aim to offer an unprecedented level of immersion into Bertha Benz’s world, allowing viewers to experience firsthand the challenges and triumphs of her groundbreaking journey.

The VR experience “Trailblazer: The Untold Story of Mrs Benz” is scheduled for release on Meta Quest 2 and Meta Quest 3 on March 7, 2025. As the release date approaches, it remains to be seen how audiences will respond to this innovative approach to historical storytelling and whether it will indeed blaze a trail for future VR experiences in the realm of biographical narratives.