Italian
Ladj Ly set to direct ‘Dumas: Black Devil,’ an epic historical film
Bold new historical drama
Acclaimed filmmaker Ladj Ly, who captured international attention with his feature debut Les Misérables, is gearing up for his next major project, Dumas: Black Devil. Known for his gripping storytelling and award-winning films, Ly will both write and direct this epic historical drama. The film is being produced by Chapter 2—part of Mediawan—and Pathé, the production houses famous for hits like The Count of Monte Cristo and The Three Musketeers.
A story of resilience and revolution
Dumas: Black Devil will delve into the life of Thomas Alexandre Davy de la Pailleterie Dumas, a tale waiting to be told on screen. Born a Caribbean slave in 1762, Thomas defied the odds to become a revolutionary French general. His father, Marquis Alexandre Antoine Davy de la Pailleterie, was a nobleman, and his mother, Marie-Cessette Dumas, was an African slave. This unique blend of backgrounds set the stage for Thomas’s extraordinary journey.
Thomas Dumas earned the nickname “Black Devil” for his valor and prowess in battle, yet his contributions to the French Revolution were overshadowed and often unrecognized, even suffering indignities such as being denied a full pension and the Legion of Honor by Napoleon Bonaparte.
Learn More about the General’s Story: Dumas: Black Devil
An illustrious legacy
Thomas Dumas’s life and achievements didn’t just leave a mark on military history; they also inspired his son, Alexandre Dumas, to write timeless literary works like The Three Musketeers and The Count of Monte Cristo. Alexandre Dumas, not even four at his father’s death, cherished his father’s legacy and infused his heroic spirit into his narratives.
Producing powerhouses behind the project
Chapter 2 and Pathé are spearheading the production. Both companies have established themselves as giants in the French film industry, recently having celebrated the success of The Count of Monte Cristo. Directed by Matthieu Delaporte and Alexandre de La Patellière, the film has sold over 9 million tickets in France since its release. It stands as 2024’s second highest-grossing local language film, particularly notable for a French costume drama not classified as a comedy.
Casting and production insights
While the budget for Dumas: Black Devil hasn’t been officially disclosed, it’s touted to be one of the most ambitious French productions planned for 2025. The cast is expected to feature a blend of prominent French and international stars, ensuring the film garners global attention.
Industry Insight: The complex character of Thomas Dumas, the first and highest-ranking Black leader in the French military, offers fertile ground for exploring themes of courage, honor, and justice. These universal themes are likely to resonate deeply with audiences worldwide and demonstrate the film’s potential for critical and commercial success.
The vision of Ladj Ly
Reflecting on his fascination with this historical figure, Ly mentioned, ”I was immediately captivated by the story of Dumas, the first Black general in the French army. I can’t wait to bring this story to the big screen, as it will reveal a forgotten part of our history.”
Ly’s unique background in documentaries and feature films positions him well to handle such a multifaceted story. His previous work has consistently highlighted underdog characters challenging the status quo—a theme that will undoubtedly continue with this new project.
Honoring historical inspiration
Dimitri Rassam, who leads Chapter 2, expressed why Thomas Dumas’s story is so compelling. “While exploring Alexandre Dumas’ works, I came across his father’s story. The extraordinary life journey of General Dumas is astonishing and deserves to be well-known.” He emphasized that Ladj Ly brings the necessary depth and complexity needed to film a character like General Dumas.
Discussion on Historical Films: After successes like The Three Musketeers and The Count of Monte Cristo, Rassam noted the increasing importance of honoring the Dumas family’s legacy. The narrative of General Dumas is not just another historical recount; it’s a story designed to captivate through its intricacy and fascination.
Bringing the vision to the screen
Ardavan Safaee, President of Pathé Films, added how Ly’s unique artistic vision will animate the extraordinary story of General Dumas. ”This film is more than a historical recount; it’s a cinematic journey that celebrates our rich heritage and addresses universal themes of bravery, honor, and justice,” Safaee highlighted.
Producers Toufik Ayadi and Christophe Barral of Srab Films are equally enthusiastic about their continued partnership with Ly. They look forward to exploring new cinematic frontiers and bringing this incredible story to a wide audience.
A future cinematic triumph
Dumas: Black Devil is set to explore the genesis of Alexandre Dumas by diving deep into the life of his remarkable father, General Dumas. This project follows a path of celebrating historical narratives that shape our understanding of literary history and cultural heritage. As preparations ramp up, anticipation for this film grows, promising a high-impact production that blends historical grandeur with cinematic innovation.
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