On Friday, March 21, 2025, the Zénith in Caen (Calvados) announced a highly anticipated theatrical collaboration featuring two of France's shining stars, Kad Merad and Michèle Laroque. The duo will grace the stage in Olivier Baroux's play L'Âge Bête, set for a performance in December 2026. Tickets for the event are already on sale, priced at €51, €62, and €74.
Merad and Laroque currently co-star in the upcoming film 100 millions !, directed by Nath Dumont, which is slated for theatrical release on March 26, 2025. Their fruitful collaboration extends beyond screen performances; they have previously teamed up in films like Monsieur Papa (2011) and Brillantissime (2018).
"We are very much clients of each other," Laroque remarked in a recent interview with RTL. This productive partnership was further solidified when the actress explained how Merad had often expressed his desire to share a stage with her, leading to Baroux penning the script in no time.
The play examines the lives of two sexagenarians, Benoît and Claire, described by Baroux as "rebels and free souls" who choose to live their new lives passionately, shunning the constraints of age. "We want to live our new story to the fullest, without limits," Baroux explained when discussing the essence of the characters.
In addition to this exciting theatrical announcement, both actors dive into the realm of film with 100 millions !, a social comedy about a union worker who unexpectedly inherits a massive fortune. This unexpected windfall quickly turns into a troublesome predicament. As Merad portrays the main character, Patrick, he embodies someone who wrestles with the implications of sudden wealth.
"Becoming very famous quite quickly is equivalent to winning 100 million!" Merad shared, reflecting on both personal experiences and the film's central theme. He goes on to comment on the complications that follow fame, stating, "The collateral damage can be enormous, as suddenly, people react to you differently. It can even be devastating... But there are good things in this too. You just have to know how to manage it."
Directed by Dumont, who got his big break after responding to an advertisement seeking a comedy director, 100 millions ! was filmed under extraordinary circumstances. In a bustling factory environment, the production had to contend with the constant noise of machinery and other industrial sounds. François Demorand, the film’s sound operator, noted, "We filmed in an active factory without stopping production. We had to negotiate with the workers to lower the AC or halt machines for certain scenes." This collaborative effort showcased the dedication of everyone involved.
Quentin Boulay, the film’s editor, highlighted the grueling 14 weeks of editing that stitched together the non-linear footage into a cohesive narrative. "Our mission is to inject rhythm into the film. The first step is to arrange everything chronologically and select the best takes to spotlight the actors,” Boulay concluded.
Ahead of the film's release, Merad is making headlines as he appears on the program 50’ Inside on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at 17:50 on TF1. This segment aims to showcase him as a vibrant and active figure in French cinema, where he confronts issues of aging and career longevity. Underscoring this, Merad emphasized his awareness of evolving role opportunities, humorously stating, "All the time! Especially today. I’m growing older, and I have fewer role options, in fact!"
Anticipation grows for both the film and the forthcoming play as audiences eagerly await the chance to see Merad and Laroque shine on stage and screen. The play L'Âge Bête, slated for touring next year with a performance at the Zénith de Caen on December 3, 2026, captures the essence of keeping one's spirit alive through the passage of time.
As these talented actors prepare to embark on their new project, they remain a beloved duo in French cinema, promising to deliver laughter and thought-provoking storytelling in their upcoming works.
