Mabuse is not a distinct character in Fullmetal Alchemist: The Movie - Conqueror of Shamballa. Instead, the name Mabuse is used as a pseudonym by Fritz Lang, a German Jewish film director living in Munich during the Weimar Republic. Lang adopts the acronym Mabuse, which is a reference to the fictional criminal mastermind from his own film The Testament of Dr. Mabuse. He employs this alias when he first meets Edward Elric while hiding a Romani woman named Noah. Edward initially distrusts Lang because of his striking resemblance to the homunculus King Bradley from Edward's home world, but Lang gradually proves himself an ally. He is a perceptive, resourceful man who seeks inspiration for his films and eventually informs Edward of the Thule Society's plan to use the portal between worlds to aid Adolf Hitler's rising political movement. Lang's knowledge of the Thule Society's true intentions motivates him to assist Edward, and he ultimately helps foil the plot by warning Edward of what is to come. His role in the story is that of a cautious but helpful guide on Earth's side. In terms of development, Lang moves from being a suspicious, secretive figure to a trusted confidant. His notable abilities lie in his keen observational skills, his understanding of the political situation in Germany, and his willingness to take risks to protect others. The name Mabuse itself carries no separate background or personality; it simply serves as a code name that connects Lang to the iconic character from his own filmography.