‘Les Misérables’ Helmer Ladj Ly to Write and Direct ‘Dumas: Black Devil,’ Film About Trailblazing French General From ‘Count of Monte Cristo’ Producers (EXCLUSIVE)

As a movie buff with a deep appreciation for history and underdog stories, I am beyond excited about Ladj Ly’s upcoming epic, “Dumas: Black Devil.” Having witnessed the raw talent and unique vision showcased in his debut feature, “Les Misérables,” I can only imagine what he will bring to the screen with this untold story of General Dumas.

Film director Ladj Ly, who made a splash with his first feature film “Les Misérables” at Cannes in 2019, winning the jury prize and receiving an Oscar nomination, is planning to write and direct “Dumas: Black Devil.” This ambitious production is being developed by Dimitri Rassam’s Chapter 2 (a subsidiary of Mediawan) and Pathé, well-known for producing French blockbusters like “The Count of Monte Cristo” and the two-part adventure series “The Three Musketeers.

Srab Films, known for producing all of Ly’s films such as ‘Les Misérables’, will also produce the film titled ‘Dumas: Black Devil’. Pathé will be responsible for distributing the movie within France and managing its international sales. While the budget remains undisclosed, it’s anticipated that this project will rank among the most ambitious French productions slated for 2025. The cast is expected to feature both prominent French and global actors.

I propose rephrasing the text as follows:

The heroic deeds and turbulent life of General Dumas sparked the creativity of his son, the renowned French writer Alexandre Dumas, leading him to compose his literary classics “The Three Musketeers” and “The Count of Monte-Cristo.” Despite being barely 4 when his father passed away from stomach cancer, Alexandre Dumas held his heritage dear.

The filmmaker expressed enthusiasm about the tale of Dumas, the initial Black general in the French military, stating he’s eager to share this untold piece of history on the silver screen. This director, known for his documentary work and garnering attention at Cannes with his debut feature “Les Misérables,” has consistently felt drawn to narratives centered around characters challenging the established order.

Two weeks after the release of “The Count of Monte Cristo,” directed by Matthieu Delaporte and Alexandre de La Patellière, Chapters 2 and Pathé are basking in its success. The film, which premiered out-of-competition at Cannes, has already sold more than 9 million tickets in France since it opened on June 28. This places it as the second highest-grossing locally produced movie of 2024 in non-native languages, a remarkable achievement for a French period piece that isn’t typically successful in this genre unless it’s a comedy.

Rather than jumping straight into a follow-up to “The Count of Monte Cristo,” Rassam, a history enthusiast leading Chapter 2, expressed his desire to explore and reveal the roots of Alexandre Dumas’ longstanding inspiration instead.

While delving into Alexandre Dumas’ writings, I came across the tale of his father, General Dumas. His life journey, which was absolutely extraordinary and surprisingly not more widely known, left me astonished. It seemed clear to me that Ladj Ly would be an ideal choice to portray this story on screen, as it requires a film equally complex and intriguing as General Dumas himself.

Following “The Three Musketeers” and “The Count of Monte Cristo,” Rassam emphasized that honoring the legacy of the Dumas family has grown even more significant. He also stated that ‘Dumas: Black Devil’ possesses all the necessary elements to create a highly captivating film.

Ardavan Safaee, head of Pathé Films, expressed that Ly’s “distinctive artistic perspective” would help tell the captivating tale of General Dumas, a historical figure who has been overlooked in French history.

As a film enthusiast, I can’t wait to embark on this cinematic odyssey! It’s not just about honoring our storied past, but also striking a chord with universal values such as bravery, integrity, and righteousness. This grand endeavor truly encapsulates Pathé Films’ dedication to bringing authentic French narratives to the world stage, stories that resonate beyond borders.

Safaee explained that this upcoming project aims to trace back the origins of Alexandre Dumas, focusing on the life of General Dumas, whose extraordinary deeds played a significant role in influencing the stories that have become legendary in literature.

As a passionate cinephile, I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to collaborate with Ladj Ly. His distinct perspective promises an extraordinary journey as we venture together into uncharted cinematic territories.

Ayadi and Barral were happy to start this journey with Chapter 2 and Pathé, aiming to share this amazing tale with as many people as possible,” they concluded.

2024-10-22 14:17

‘Les Misérables’ Helmer Ladj Ly to Write and Direct ‘Dumas: Black Devil,’ Film About Trailblazing French General From ‘Count of Monte Cristo’ Producers (EXCLUSIVE)

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