Jonathan Cohen, the beloved comedic actor, is set to bring his iconic character Marc back to the screen, but this time in a thrilling new movie rather than another TV series. Announced during the Séries Mania Festival in Lille on Sunday, March 23, 2025, Cohen excitedly shared details about "Marc, le film," which will feature a unique format reminiscent of a classic whodunit game, akin to the film Knives Out.
In a masterclass session at the Festival, Cohen elaborated on the concept of the movie, stating it would closely resemble À Couteaux tirés and includes a cast of familiar faces from his previous television endeavors. He remarked, “We are working on something obviously where [...] we could bring back a bit of the troupe,” referring to the ensemble cast that has become synonymous with his projects.
Marc, as fans of Cohen would remember, originally appeared in the parody series "La Flamme," which aired on Canal+ in 2020. This series reinterpreted the reality show format, specifically spoofing The Bachelor. Its success paved the way for a sequel, "Le Flambeau: les aventuriers de Chupacabra," a parody of Koh-Lanta, that premiered in 2022. Both series were immensely popular, with Canal+ reporting over 100 million views across its streaming platform MyCanal.
One of the key factors contributing to Cohen's anticipation for the film is the continuity of the ensemble cast. Actors such as Vincent Dedienne and Leïla Bekhti are set to reprise their roles. Cohen also teased other returning alumni from both series, including Adèle Exarchopoulos, Camille Chamoux, Ana Girardot, and Pierre Niney. The news marks a significant return for the characters beloved by fans across various franchises.
Cohen hinted at his collaborations, previously mentioning in May 2024 that there was an active effort to keep the troupe together for the new project. He said, “To be honest, I was in a meeting earlier. So yeah, we are working on it.” His persistent commitment to including the original cast reflects the nostalgia and connection that viewers have developed with these characters over the years.
While there is excitement brewing about the film, it is still in the early stages of writing. Cohen acknowledged the fluid nature of film production, underscoring there’s still a timeline to be worked out before the project sees its official release. Fans of the character Marc eagerly await their chance to see this new adventure unfold, and social media buzz is already reflective of that anticipation.
As a quick reminder, "La Flamme" and its sequel enjoyed massive popularity during their airing, which was filled with hilarious and satirical moments that satirized reality television culture. This success became a cultural phenomenon, with moments from both series inspiring memes and a dedicated fanbase. The catchphrase “Maaaaarc,” shouted by Leïla Bekhti, has already cemented its place in the comedy lexicon.
In both series, Cohen’s character Marc showcased a perfect blend of humor and dramatic twists that kept audiences engaged and entertained. It remains to be seen how these elements will transition into a feature film as Cohen attempts to capture the unique blend of comedy and intrigue that made the television series so successful. Given the framework he introduced during the masterclass, it is apparent that the new project will not stray too far from the foundations established by the original works.
The announcement during the Séries Mania Festival serves as a reminder of the ongoing evolution in the entertainment landscape, where shows that resonate with audiences often naturally evolve into films, especially when led by charismatic creators like Jonathan Cohen. The film industry continuously aims to tap into established fan bases, and in this case, bringing beloved characters back to life on the big screen certainly seems like a logical step.
Fans can expect to learn more about the production timeline as updates are provided. The hype surrounding "Marc, le film" suggests that with Cohen at the helm and a strong returning cast, audiences are likely to see another triumph in the remarkable collaboration that has characterized Cohen's comedic endeavors.
The excitement for “Marc, le film” reflects not only the anticipation for the return of the character Marc but also a broader recognition of the successful transition of beloved television characters to the film medium. This could very well set a precedent for future adaptations from other successful series, marking an evolution in how content is created and consumed in today’s entertainment culture.
In summary, Cohen's return to creating film content is a testament to how beloved characters can evolve and connect with new audiences. This new project holds the promise of delivering the same humor, charm, and wit that captured the hearts of viewers previously. As the project develops, fans can look forward to much more than just a continuation of a series; they eagerly await the cinematic possibilities that lie ahead in the life of Marc.