“Fantomas,” a reboot of the popular French detective franchise, has assembled a strong local cast, including Guillaume Canet (“La Belle Époque”), Romain Duris (“The Three Musketeers”), Lyna Khoudri (“La Dépêche française”) and Louis Peres (“Les Misérables”).
which will begin filming in January in Paris with filmmaker and co-writer Frédéric Tellier (“Through the Fire”), the action-packed thriller is expected to be released in France in 2027. Previously announced by Variety, “Fantomas” will be presented to buyers by SND, which is handling financing, production, French distribution and international sales, at the American Film Market next week.
SND produces with Wassim Beji, the French producer of “Boite noire”, via his Parisian company Wy Productions.
Created in 1911 by Marcel Allain and Pierre Souvestre, Fantomas is one of the most popular fictional characters in France, along with Arsène Lupin. Fantomas was first adapted for the big screen in a series of silent crime films directed by Louis Feuillade for Gaumont in 1913. The property was later adapted into a crime comedy trilogy starring Jean Marais and Louis de Fines in 1964. Claude Chabrol and Juan Luis Buñuel also adapted the property as a limited television series in 1980. A ruthless and multifaceted thief and assassin, Fantomas was a source of inspiration for some of the greatest artists. of the 20th century, including the surrealist poet Guillaume Apollinaire.
The ambitious film will be set in Paris, 1914, and revolves around Fantomas, a master of deception and chaos, pursued by Lieutenant Juve as he investigates a series of violent crimes that have put the city in danger. “In a time of violence and political tension, Lieutenant Juve finds himself searching for a man without motive, without agenda, without model or identity,” we can read in the synopsis.
Speaking about the casting, Tellier said that “the chemistry between these actors will be electric and I think they will perfectly capture the essence of these iconic characters.”
“Bringing together two pillars of French cinema, Romain Duris and Guillaume Canet, alongside international stars Lyna Khoudri and rising star Louis Peres, creates a dynamic that reflects the tension and evolution that the story requires,” continued Tellier, who added that his film “will bring a new perspective to the iconic character while remaining faithful to his timeless essence.”
The film’s key team will include cinematographer Glynn Speeckaert (“In the Beginning”), producer-designer Florian Sanson (“Holy Motors”), costume designer Olivier Bériot (“Lupin”) and art director Frédéric Cambon (“Lupin,” “John Wick 4”). The original music is composed by Guillaume
Roussel, whose credits include “The Three Musketeers” and “Dog 51.” The special effects will be created at Atelier 69 (“Titanium”).
“With more than 30 novels, 13 films, plays and series, the character has transcended time and
borders,” said Ramy Nahas, SND’s international sales manager.
“Just like “The Count of Monte Cristo,” “Fantomas” is an adaptation of a timeless classic intended
to become the next global blockbuster,” Nahas continued.
