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‘Les Misérables’ Brings Jean Valjean Home With Prequel Origin Film

Look down, cinephiles, because a new Les Misérables film is coming, but this time, we’re going back to the very beginning of Jean Valjean’s journey. French director Éric Besnard, known for writing Wrath of Man (2021) and Babylon A.D. (2008), will helm the film, titled Valjean.

The movie aims to delve deeper into Valjean’s transformation from a hardened criminal to a compassionate hero. For those familiar with the stage and film versions of Les Misérables, this transformation is condensed into a few minutes. However, Besnard’s film will explore this pivotal period in much greater depth.

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‘Les Misérables’ Brings Jean Valjean Home With Prequel Origin Film
Hugh Jackman as Jean Valjean in 2012’s Les Misérables

Set in the aftermath of Valjean’s release from prison, Valjean captures his journey of redemption, which begins with a life-changing encounter with a benevolent bishop. After Valjean attempts to steal a pair of silver candlesticks, the bishop’s unexpected act of kindness alters the course of his life.

“This act of kindness by the bishop is a turning point for Jean Valjean, as it shows him that there is still good in the world. He begins to question his own choices and starts to see that there is another path for him,” explains producer Sabine Chemaly in an interview with Variety. “The film follows the steps that lead to Jean Valjean to become the man he was always meant to be, a good man who wants to help others.”

‘Les Misérables’ Brings Jean Valjean Home With Prequel Origin Film
Gregory Gadebois

French actor Gregory Gadebois stars as the titular character (a role previously brought to life on the screen by actors like Liam Neeson, Hugh Jackman and Dominic West), alongside Bernard Campan, Isabelle Carré, and Alexandra Lamy. According to Chemaly, the film retains a humanistic tone with a strong emphasis on the natural environment, much like Besnard’s previous works, Delicieux and Louise Violet. She describes the project as Valjean’s “metamorphosis,” charting his journey from a man embittered by life’s hardships to one dedicated to helping others. The story will also feature key figures from Valjean’s transformative period, including the bishop, his servant, and his sister.

Produced by Radar Films, known for hits like the French adventure-drama Belle et Sébastien films, Valjean is being positioned as a cinematic event. The project has already garnered attention at the Unifrance Rendez-Vous in Paris, where it was presented to international buyers. Following the success of recent adaptations like The Count of Monte Cristo and The Three Musketeers, Valjean is poised to resonate with audiences worldwide.