“Fantomas” set to reboot an action-packed film with Guillaume Canet
“Fantomas,” a reboot of the popular French crime thriller series, brings together a strong local cast, including Guillaume Canet (“La Belle Époque”), Romain Duris (“The Three Musketeers”), Lina Khaudry (“The French Dispatch”) and Luis Perez (“Les Misérables”).
Set to begin filming in January in Paris with director and co-writer Frédéric Tellier ( Through the Fire ), the action-packed thriller is scheduled to be released in France in 2027. Variety previously announced that Fantomas will be screened for buyers by SND, which is handling financing, production, French distribution and international sales, at the US Film Market next week.
SND is producing with Wassim Beji, the French producer of Boite noire, through his Paris-based company Wy Productions.
Created in 1911 by Marcel Allan and Pierre Sauvestre, Fantômas is one of France’s most popular fictional characters, along with Arsène Lupine. Fantomas was first brought to the big screen by being turned into a silent crime film serial directed by Louis Feuillade for Gaumont in 1913. The property was later made into a crime comedy trilogy starring Jean Marais and Luis de Vins in 1964. Claude Chabrol and Juan Luis Buñuel also turned the property into a limited television series in 1980. Fantomas, a ruthless and multi-faceted thief and killer, was an inspiration to some of the greatest artists In the twentieth century, including the surrealist poet Guillaume Apollinaire.
Set in 1914 Paris, the ambitious film follows Fantômas, a master of deception and mayhem, who is pursued by Lieutenant Yoffie as he investigates a series of violent crimes that have put the city on the brink. The film’s synopsis reads: “In an era of violence and political tension, Lieutenant Yoffie finds himself searching for a man with no motive, no agenda, no style or identity.”
Speaking about the cast, Teller said: “The chemistry between these actors will be electric, and I believe they will perfectly embody the essence of these iconic characters.”
Tellier continued, saying: “The combination of the two pillars of French cinema, Romain Duris and Guillaume Canet, along with international stars Lina Khoudry and rising star Luis Perez, creates a dynamic will that reflects the tension and development that the story requires.” He added that his film “will bring a new perspective to the iconic character while preserving its timeless essence.”
The film’s principal crew will include cinematographer Glenn Speckert (“In the Beginning”), product designer Florian Sanson (“Holy Motors”), costume designer Olivier Periot (“Lupin”), and art director Frédéric Cambon (“Lupin”, “John Wick 4”). The original score is made up of clouds
Russell, whose credits include “The Three Musketeers” and “Dog 51.” The special effects will be done at Atelier 69 (“Titane”).
“With more than 30 novels, 13 films, plays and series, the character has transcended time and time.
“The limits,” said Rami Nahhas, head of international sales at SND.
Much like “The Count of Monte Cristo,” “Fantomas” is an adaptation of a timeless classic.
“It will become the next global blockbuster,” Nahhas continued.