Pierre Lottin has been chosen to portray Louis de Funès in a biopic about one of the most popular figures in French cinema. The project is currently in pre-production and filming is scheduled to begin in spring 2027, specifically in April. The film will be directed by Benjamin Euvrard and produced by Romain Rojtman, with UGC associated with the project.
The film is set to begin in 1964, a pivotal year for Louis de Funès.
The story is set to open in 1964, a pivotal year in Louis de Funès' career. This period coincides with the actor's rise to immense popularity, thanks to a string of films that cemented his name with the general public, notably Squeak-squeak, The Gendarme of Saint-Tropez, Corniaud et Ghosts.
The stated objective is to show the man behind the comedic machinery, beyond the grimaces, the outbursts, the rhythm, and the gestures that have become iconic. Romain Rojtman presents the film as a portrait of Louis de Funès before the full establishment of his popular myth, with this formula: "The film is like de Funès before Louis."
Pierre Lottin faces a very high-profile role
Pierre Lottin inherited a particularly scrutinized role, as Louis de Funès remains associated with instantly recognizable gestures, voice, energy, and presence. The challenge, therefore, will not be merely physical or mimetic. The producer summarizes the stakes as follows: "His challenge will be to embody the truth of Louis de Funès, not just his mannerisms."
The actor has broadened his range in recent years. Known to the general public for Les Tucheshe also starred in When autumn comes by François Ozon and In Fanfare by Emmanuel Courcol. He won the César Award for Best Supporting Actor for The Stranger by François Ozon in 2026.
The de Funès family gave their consent
The project has the approval of Louis de Funès' family. The film now needs to secure funding before filming begins, scheduled for 2027. No theatrical release date has yet been announced.
This biopic tackles the life of a central figure in French cinema, who died in 1983 and whose work is still widely rebroadcast on television. The film must recount a career already familiar to the public without simply imitating an actor whose roles remain among the most recognizable in French comedy.
