Ladj Ly’s ‘Dumas: Black Devil’ Sets All-Star French Cast: Omar Sy, Vincent Cassel, François Civil, Theo Christine to Headline Epic Adventure Film (EXCLUSIVE)

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The makers behind the successful French production “The Count of Monte Cristo” and the Academy Award-nominated “Les Miserables,” Chapter 2 and Srab Films, have assembled an impressive lineup of talent for Ladj Ly’s upcoming movie titled “Dumas: Black Devil.

Emerging French star Theo Christine (“Supremes”) is set to portray the leading character in an action-packed cinematic tale. This film boasts a stellar cast, with Omar Sy (“Lupin”), Vincent Cassel (“Black Swan”), and Francois Civil (“Beating Hearts”) appearing alongside him.

Theo Christine (known as “Supremes”) will play the main character in a big action movie. This movie also stars Omar Sy, Vincent Cassel, and Francois Civil.

The highly-anticipated movie project is set to debut at the forthcoming Cannes Film Market, spearheaded by Pathé, Goodfellas, and CAA Media Finance. This upcoming French film is slated to begin production in 2026, marking one of the most ambitious endeavors within the industry.

Previously known for distributing “The Count of Monte-Cristo” and the two-part series “The Three Musketeers,” produced by Chapter 2, Pathé is now set to release the film in France. Additionally, Pathé, Goodfellas, and CAA Media Finance have joined forces for international sales, with CAA Media Finance taking charge of North America as well.

The production of ‘Dumas: Black Devil’ will be jointly handled by Dimitri Rassam from Mediawan company Chapter 2, along with Toufik Ayadi and Christophe Barral from Srab Films, a Fremantle company. This co-production is also supported by Lyly Films and Carrousel Studios. Library Pictures International will contribute financially to the project.

Written by Anne Abitbol, Dan Franck (known as “Carlos”), and Thomas Bidegain, this upcoming screenplay, titled “Emilia Perez” or “Dumas: Black Devil,” will narrate the untold true tale of Thomas Alexandre Davy de la Pailleterie Dumas. He was a remarkable figure who bucked the trend by being the first black general in the French army, born from a slave and a French nobleman. This trailblazer also happens to be the father of Alexandre Dumas, renowned for his literary masterpieces like “The Count of Monte-Cristo” and “The Three Musketeers.” Despite rising to become the highest-ranking Black military leader under Napoleon Bonaparte, General Dumas’ crucial role during the French Revolution was often downplayed, and he was denied a deserved full pension and Legion of Honor by Bonaparte.

Ly’s Next Venture: ‘Dumas: Black Devil'” will represent Ly’s most ambitious project thus far. Gaining recognition in 2019 with the Jury Prize-winning film “Les Miserables” at Cannes, this production garnered four Cesar Awards, an Oscar nomination for Best International Feature, and left a lasting impact. Inspired by the compelling life story of General Dumas, Ly expressed his attraction to the project, stating, “The life story of General Dumas is not only powerful but deeply moving – a narrative of courage, injustice, and resilience that demands to be brought into full light.

Ly expressed his excitement about showcasing this production with a remarkable cast whose skills and passion will brilliantly portray the depth and authenticity of these historical characters. This project is deeply moving and significant, and he’s eager for viewers to experience it,” says Ly in a statement.

As a history enthusiast, Rassam expressed that the extraordinary life of Thomas Alexandre Dumas merits a portrayal that is just as heroic, impactful, and emotional as what authors Anne Abitbol, Dan Franck, and Thomas Bidegain have crafted collaboratively under Ladj’s guidance.

With Pathé, we harbor deep gratitude and a strong sense of obligation towards the exceptional work of Alexandre Dumas’ son. I can’t conceive of a more fitting tribute than by gathering this outstanding team.” He remarked that “Dumas: Black Devil” will reunite our exceptionally skilled technical team from The Three Musketeers and Monte Cristo, along with Ladj’s long-term producers Srab, to narrate the breathtaking and monumental life story of his father.

Ayadi and Barral stated that the project unites “some outstanding artists from their generation to portray these legendary, larger-than-life characters.” They added that the cast will bring “a potent sense of vigor and truthfulness to this grand production.

The project aims to follow Srab’s “creative path with Ladj Ly” in order to share this “often neglected tale” with as many people as possible.

After the massive acclaim and financial triumph of “The Count of Monte Cristo” – a novel that drew close to 10 million spectators in France alone and was widely distributed globally – the chairman of Pathé Films expressed anticipation about bringing to life the tale of the man who not only served as the muse for his son Alexandre Dumas’ groundbreaking stories, but was also a valiant champion of our democratic ideals before he was unfortunately erased from history due to the color of his skin.

Safaee commented that the movie’s outstanding cast illuminates the heroic, forgotten fate of General Dumas – an actual event that astounded us, and whose powerful relevance to all is enhanced by the global fame of these performers.

Preparation for “Dumas: Black Devil” has already begun for a February 2026 start date.

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2025-05-05 17:20