“Marsupilami” surpasses 5 million admissions and aims for a record

The gamble seemed risky, but it's on the verge of becoming a triumph. With over 5 million viewers in just a few weeks, Philippe Lacheau's Marsupilami has established itself as one of the biggest hits of recent French cinema. This performance could even allow it to surpass the cult classic adaptation directed by Alain Chabat in 2012.

A meteoric rise at the box office

Released on February 4, 2026, the film has consistently performed with impressive regularity. According to figures reported by Le Parisien, it racked up several weeks with over a million admissions before slowing slightly, while still crossing the symbolic 5 million mark on March 6. In its first week alone, it attracted over 1,4 million viewers, a figure it even surpassed the following week—a rare feat.

This momentum allowed it to dominate the box office for several consecutive weeks, even resisting the arrival of big productions like Scream 7. Now, even though it was temporarily overtaken by a Pixar animated film, it remains firmly established among the most watched films in theaters.

With over 5,5 million admissions already according to several estimates reported in the press, the film has climbed onto the podium of the biggest French successes since 2020, in a context where French cinema was struggling to recover its pre-pandemic levels.

A popular success that could surpass Alain Chabat

This score puts the film in an ideal position to beat On the Trail of the Marsupilami, directed by Alain Chabat in 2012, which finished its run with 5,3 million admissions. A threshold that Philippe Lacheau's version should quickly surpass.

Boosted by a popular cast—including Jamel Debbouze—and a decidedly family-friendly tone, the comedy also benefits from a favorable release schedule. The winter holidays have boosted attendance, and the film could enjoy an extended run in theaters until the spring break.

According to projections reported by Le Parisien, the film could reach between 6 and 7 million admissions in total. This milestone would make it not only a huge popular success, but also one of the major films of 2026.