Marcin Dorociński Takes On Iconic Role In New Lalka Adaptation

In a highly anticipated new adaptation of Bolesław Prus's iconic novel, Lalka, acclaimed Polish actor Marcin Dorociński is set to take on the challenging role of Stanisław Wokulski. The film, directed by Maciej Kawalski, known for his work on Niebezpieczni dżentelmeni, is poised to begin filming in August 2025.

Dorociński, one of Poland's most respected contemporary actors, has garnered significant acclaim throughout his career, including seven nominations for the Eagles, the Polish Film Awards. His past roles in Rewers and Róża have earned him recognition at the Gdynia Film Festival. This new venture marks his second collaboration with Kawalski, following their previous work together on Niebezpieczni dżentelmeni, where he portrayed Witkacy.

Expressing his excitement for the role, Dorociński stated, "There are characters in Polish culture that live and resonate in each of us. Stanisław Wokulski is one of them; he is a man full of contradictions, a dreamer and a pragmatist, a romantic and a revolutionary. I am honored to follow in the footsteps of great actors like Mariusz Dmochowski and Jerzy Kamas and to confront the legend created by Prus, showing it in a new light and my interpretation."

He further added, "I hope that viewers will see in Wokulski not only a hero of the 19th century but someone close to our times. Although times change, hearts still beat the same. I hope to meet this enormous challenge and not disappoint—not only the admirers of Prus but, above all, cinema lovers."

Radosław Drabik, the producer of the new Lalka, shared his enthusiasm for Dorociński's casting, noting that he and director Kawalski were in agreement from the outset about the actor for the role of Wokulski. "We are proud that Marcin Dorociński will embody one of the most famous characters in Polish literature. I am more than certain that this will be the greatest Wokulski in the history of Polish cinema and a career-defining role for Marcin. We also know that we are meeting the expectations of Polish viewers who have been actively engaged in discussions about the casting of the new adaptation of Lalka,” Drabik stated.

While details about the casting of other characters remain under wraps, including the pivotal role of Izabela Łęcka, Drabik hinted at the quality of the production. He emphasized that the new adaptation aims to demonstrate that "classic literature can be told anew in a modern, visually attractive, and emotionally engaging way."

Arkadiusz Pawlik, the director of the Film and Series Creation Agency at Polish Television, expressed confidence in Dorociński’s portrayal, declaring it will be "unforgettable." The project will feature both a theatrical film and a series, with the latter serving as a complete version of the story. Cinematographer Piotr Sobociński Jr. will lend his talents to the visual storytelling.

The announcement of a new adaptation of Lalka has stirred mixed reactions among the public. Some commentators expressed skepticism, questioning the necessity of revisiting such a classic work. Comments included remarks like, "Seriously??? No one can come up with new stories anymore, just rehashing the not-so-exciting ones," and, "What’s the point? Such works should be protected. It won’t succeed, especially since there are no longer such outstanding actors." However, others expressed curiosity about the results of this new endeavor.

As the film gears up for production, the anticipation surrounding Dorociński’s performance and the overall adaptation continues to grow. The collaboration between Telewizja Polska and Gigant Films aims to bring a fresh perspective to Prus's timeless narrative, ensuring that the essence of the story resonates with both contemporary audiences and fans of classic literature.

With filming set to commence in just a few months, the excitement surrounding this adaptation of Lalka is palpable. As the project unfolds, many will be watching closely to see how Dorociński and the creative team breathe new life into this celebrated tale, blending historical context with modern storytelling techniques.