A fresh take on Zorro: A blend of comedy and nostalgia
Reviving a classic hero
In the latest reimagining of “Zorro”, producer Marc Dujardin draws inspiration from the iconic 1950s series starring Guy Williams, the whimsical nature of superhero tales, and the cherished childhood dreams he shared with his brother Jean. Jean Dujardin, who portrays the dual roles of Don Diego de la Vega and his masked alter ego, Zorro, brings a unique blend of gravitas and humor to the character.
A grand premiere in La Havre
“Zorro” made a grand entrance in La Havre on Thursday, closing the Unifrance Rendez-Vous market with a highly anticipated premiere. The event was followed by an Alta California-themed fiesta, complete with delectable Spanish and Mexican cuisine, adding a festive touch to the evening.
A comedic yet serious take
Produced by Marc Dujardin’s Le Collectif 64 for France Télévisions and Paramount+, “Zorro” offers a fresh, comedic yet serious take on the legendary swashbuckler of old California. The series follows Don Diego as he becomes the mayor of Los Angeles, hoping to improve his beloved city. However, facing rampant corruption, he decides to don the mask of Zorro once more, balancing his dual identity while straining his marriage with Gabriella, who remains unaware of his secret.
The perfect casting
While Marc was convinced that his brother Jean was ideal for the part, Jean was initially hesitant. Marc recalls, “Jean said, ‘Do whatever you want and if it’s good, I will do it.'”
Marc’s research into superhero narratives led him to a humorous realization: being a superhero is costly due to the destruction they cause. This insight shaped his portrayal of Zorro as a populist offering simple solutions to complex problems, contrasting with Diego, the technocratic mayor.
A tale of duality
Diego’s struggle with his dual identity is central to the series. As Marc explains, “Diego is a technocrat trying to improve living conditions, but he never finds his way into people’s hearts. Zorro, on the other hand, knows how to talk to people but without any consequences. What I love too is schizophrenia.” Diego finds himself dominated by the creature Zorro, who he cannot control.
The writing process
Marc collaborated with writers Benjamin Charbit and Noé Debré, who brought a vaudevillian touch to the script. “They wrote it and it’s totally crazy but very serious, very precise. Everything appears very serious,” Marc notes. This precise comedy sets the show apart from previous versions of Zorro.
A childhood dream fulfilled
Jean Dujardin’s portrayal of Zorro is a fulfillment of a childhood dream. Marc shares, “Jean has always dreamt of playing Zorro but it never came. He was dreaming of it at 20, at 30, at 40, but at 50 – no, okay, it’s dead. But then this one finally arrived.”
The enduring appeal of Zorro
Zorro’s enduring popularity is deeply rooted in childhood consciousness. Marc emphasizes, “He is deeply rooted in the childhood consciousness, very deeply rooted.” Director Émilie Noblet, who co-directed the series with Jean-Baptiste Saurel, also felt a personal connection to the character, having watched the classic series with her grandfather.
A legacy of adaptations
Zorro has been portrayed by numerous stars over the past century, from Douglas Fairbanks to Antonio Banderas. However, for the Dujardins, the 1950s Disney TV series starring Guy Williams holds a special place. “The inspiration of Zorro comes directly from the TV,” says Marc. “That was the real Zorro for us. He’s always smiling, he’s always happy. It’s a very shiny Zorro — he’s dark, because he’s out at night, but he’s shiny – everything is fun. The real Zorro is Guy Williams!”
Competing adaptations
Amazon Prime Video and Mediawan Rights recently introduced another new version of Zorro, starring Miguel Bernardeau. However, for France Télévisions and France TV Distribution, this is not a concern. Julia Schulte, senior VP of international sales for France TV Distribution, explains, “For us, our ‘Zorro’ is the most perfect, feel-good TV that you could imagine. It’s mainstream family entertainment with a comedy aspect.”
Filming in Spain
“Zorro” was shot entirely in Spain, with interiors in Toledo and exteriors in Almeria. The crew built a Western town not far from where Sergio Leone shot his “Dollars” trilogy with Clint Eastwood in the 1960s, adding an authentic touch to the series.
Explore more
For those eager to dive into the world of “Zorro”, check out the trailer and get a glimpse of this exciting new adaptation.