As the beloved French game show Fort Boyard celebrates its 35th anniversary, fans are treated to a special episode airing on May 1, 2025. This milestone comes with a significant change, as the show has permanently retired its iconic tigers, opting instead for 3D reproductions.
In a recent interview on the talk show C à Vous, Alexia Laroche-Joubert, the show's producer, revealed the difficult decision to eliminate the live tigers. "It was very difficult. I took two years to make this decision. I had a lot of pressure, and we considered that it no longer belonged to the era," she explained. The tigers, which had previously resided at the Fort for two months each year before returning to the Puy du Fou park in Vendée, have been replaced with digital versions since 2022.
Laroche-Joubert emphasized her commitment to the welfare of the animals, stating that they would not be abandoned. "I wanted to make sure we wouldn’t do like with the old intermittent workers and put them aside. We set up a fund to ensure they would have shelter, food, and veterinary care until the end of their days," she confirmed, acknowledging the support from France Télévisions in this initiative.
This anniversary episode, filmed in Spring 2024, features a host of personalities including Jean-Pierre Castaldi, Norbert Tarayre, Nathalie Simon, Frédérick Bousquet, Isabelle Morini-Bosc, and Laroche-Joubert herself. They are competing for the charity Rêves, which grants wishes to seriously ill children. Castaldi, now 80 years old, received special consideration during filming due to his age and health. Morini-Bosc shared on Buzz TV du Figaro that the production team took extra precautions for him, saying, "I witnessed that they were really very careful. Because my Jean-Pierre smokes, or if he doesn’t, it’s well imitated."
To adapt to Castaldi's needs, the production assigned him intellectual challenges rather than physical ones. Morini-Bosc noted, "At one point, he climbed the stairs and was very out of breath. And immediately, Olivier Minne, who is one of my best friends, and everyone came to help him." This approach reflects the show's commitment to participant safety while still providing an engaging experience for viewers.
As Fort Boyard continues to evolve, it remains a staple of French television, known for its adventurous challenges and engaging format. The upcoming episode not only highlights the show's rich history but also its ability to adapt to contemporary concerns about animal welfare and participant safety. The absence of real tigers marks a significant shift in the show’s approach, aligning with broader societal values regarding animal rights.
Fans can tune in to enjoy this special anniversary episode, which promises to deliver the excitement and nostalgia that has kept audiences captivated for decades. With a blend of new challenges and familiar faces, Fort Boyard continues to be a beloved part of French culture.
