An original Jean Valjean film is in development starring Gregory Gardebois

The origin story of Jean Valjean, the iconic protagonist in Victor Hugo's masterpiece Les Misérables, is brought to life by Éric Besnard, the French director of the 18th-century film “Delicious Meal” Big screen.

The film, which began filming on January 14 in the lush landscapes of southern France, is represented by Federations Studios sales brand Ginger & Fed, led by Sabine Chemaly. The project is being promoted to buyers at the Unifrance Rendez-Vous show in Paris, which opens on Monday (January 13).

“Jean Valjean” reunites Besnard with French actor Gregory Gadebois, who starred in his last 19th-century film, “Louise Violette” . Gadbois stars as Jean Valjean, opposite Bernard Campan, Isabelle Carré and Alexandra Lamy.

Clément Miserez and Matthieu Warter of Mediawan's Radar Films are producing. Warner Bros. France will distribute the film locally. France 3 Cinéma is co-producer. Valjean is also supported by Ciné+, OCS, HBO Max, Entourage and Cinécap.

Chemali told type The ambitious feature film will chart “Jean Valjean's transformation from a hardened criminal to a good man and hero after a pivotal encounter with a benevolent bishop.”

“Like Eric Besnard’s previous films, such as ‘Delicieux’ or ‘Louise Violet,’ ‘Valjean’ has a humanistic dimension and deals with redemption,” says Chemaly, who describes the film as Valjean’s “origin Story”, and his “Valjean”. “abnormal.”

The film tells the story of Jean Valjean's painful journey after being released from prison, and he no longer believes in anything. He is ostracized and considered dangerous; but his life takes an unexpected turn when he meets a bishop who treats him with kindness and generosity despite Valjean robbing him.

“This act of kindness by the bishop is a turning point for Valjean because it shows him that there is still good in the world. He begins to question his choices and begins to discover that there is another path for him. The film tells How Jean Valjean became the person he always wanted to be, a good person who wanted to help others,” Chemaly said. In addition to Jean Valjean, the main characters of the film are the bishop, his servant and sister.

The film, which had a budget of €7 million, features a series of locations and, like Besnard's previous films, emphasizes nature. Radar Films' track record includes many popular films such as the Belle et Sebastien series and, most recently, Nomadland starring Jean Dujardin.

Following the success of “The Count of Monte Cristo” and “The Three Musketeers” (produced by Chapter 2, another Mediawan company), “Jean Valjean” is expected to attract interest from international buyers.

Ginger & Fed’s sales list also includes Niels Tavernier’s World War II-set drama The Future Waits, based on the true story of a Holocaust survivor.