A new era for classic French literature on screen is on the horizon with the anticipated film adaptation of "Les Rois Maudits" (The Accursed Kings), based on the celebrated saga by Maurice Druon. This project, spearheaded by the acclaimed producer Dimitri Rassam and the talented directorial duo of Matthieu Delaporte and Alexandre de La Patellière, promises to bring to life the rich historical narrative woven through seven volumes published between 1955 and 1977.
After the tremendous success of "Le Comte de Monte-Cristo," which captivated audiences with over 9 million entries at the French box office, Rassam's ambition is set to reach new heights. "Ma conviction, c’est qu’il y a un trésor d’histoires dans le patrimoine européen, et qu’on peut les raconter depuis l’Europe," he stated during an interview with Le Figaro (Translation: "My conviction is there is a treasure of stories within European heritage, and we can tell them from Europe."). This vision reflects Rassam's commitment to sharing European tales on the global cinematic stage.
"Les Rois Maudits" chronicles the fierce rivalries for the French throne during the 14th century, featuring significant historical figures tied to the infamous curse cast by Jacques de Molay, the last Grand Master of the Knights Templar. The narrative is not only rich with historical intrigue but has also inspired global contemporary works; most famously, George R. R. Martin cited it as a notable influence for his own saga, "Game of Thrones." Rassam hopes to weave this iconic literary thread back to mainstream audiences, much as he did with previous adaptations of classic French stories.
Set to commence filming at the beginning of 2026, the ambitious undertaking aims to adapt each volume of Druon's saga, resulting in seven separate films, mirroring the original series of novels. Understanding the significant financial demands of such a project, the producer has launched Yapluka, a European funding initiative, to secure the necessary budget of between 20 and 80 million euros per film. This strategic move emphasizes the need for ambitious European film groups capable of undertaking large-scale productions to compete on the international stage.
Details concerning the cast for "Les Rois Maudits" remain under wraps, adding to the intrigue surrounding the project. Fans and industry insiders alike are eagerly speculating on how the creative team will assemble talents who can deliver powerful portrayals of the historical figures central to this epic saga.
Delaporte and de La Patellière, fresh off their success with "Le Comte de Monte-Cristo," have expressed their enthusiasm for tackling such a reputable work. "Cette œuvre, qui a captivé des générations par son ampleur épique, représente un défi artistique unique, et nous sommes honorés de lui donner vie sur grand écran," Delaporte commented on the challenges this adaptation embodies (Translation: "This work, which has captivated generations with its epic scope, presents a unique artistic challenge, and we are honored to bring it to life on the big screen.").
The project has piqued the interest of the public, with questions swirling about its artistic direction and potential impact on the revival of interest in historical adaptations. With plotlines rich in twists of power, betrayal, and the quest for dominance, "Les Rois Maudits" offers fertile ground for storytelling. It speaks to both historical events and the allegorical nature of power struggles, themes still relevant today.
Having previously been adapted for television, including notable productions from the 1970s and mid-2000s, the saga lends itself well to the cinematic form. These adaptations have established the story as a significant part of French cultural heritage, but Rassam and his team intend to infuse it with fresh cinematic vigor.
The revival of classic literature through modern adaptations is not simply about rehashing old stories; it's about contextualizing them for new audiences and affirming their relevance. Rassam’s efforts not only seek to entertain but also aim to reestablish European cultural narratives on the international stage.
With its high-stakes drama and intertwining personal and political plots, filmmakers are hopeful "Les Rois Maudits" will attract the interest generated by recent successful adaptations of other literary masterpieces, such as "Les Trois Mousquetaires." The upcoming trilogy, another Raspberry endeavor, has already set high expectations, and fans eagerly await its third installment scheduled for release in 2027.
While the excitement grows surrounding "Les Rois Maudits," the interconnected planning of these projects indicates Rassam's vision extends far beyond mere adaptations. It signals the onset of ambitious European filmmaking aiming to challenge American dominance at the box office.
The successful premiere of "Le Comte de Monte-Cristo" has instilled confidence among producers, reinforcing the idea of adapting timeless narratives from French literature. "Les Rois Maudits" stands to continue this trend, blending history with captivating storytelling and invigorated production quality.
With its launch on the horizon and production strategies aligning, the entertainment industry watches with bated breath to see if this cinematic venture will match the legacy of the series of novels it aims to bring to life. The pursuit of universal narratives rooted deeply within European culture makes this project not only relevant but necessary.
