The charm of the Cévennes revisited with an American twist, an impossible bet? Not for American director Catherine Hardwicke, known for her production of the Twilight saga. The film Antoinette in the Cévennes, directed by Caroline Vignal in 2020, will be adapted into an American version, announced Variety. And it was Toni Colette (Little Miss Sunshine, Hereditary…) who was chosen to play the role of Antoinette, played by Laure Calamy in the French version. This role earned her the César for best actress in 2021 and gave new impetus to her career.
Also read: Laure Calamy, best actress for Antoinette dans les Cévennes
Filming on A French Pursuit is expected to begin in late spring. In the French version, Antoinette in the Cévennes tells the story of a young woman who is preparing to spend a summer week with her lover, Vladimir. When the latter cancels their vacation to go hiking in the Cévennes with his wife and daughter, Antoinette decides to follow in his footsteps, accompanied by a donkey, Patrick. In the American remake the story remains the same except for a few details, only the first names have been changed, up to that of the horse, renamed… Napoleon.
“We are delighted to produce this new British version with such wonderful colleagues and friends (and a donkey or two!),” enthused the New Sparta production company to Variety. A French Pursuit was developed by CCM, the London-based development company run and jointly owned by distributors Curzon, Cineart and Madman. CCM acquired the rights to the remake from Chapka Films and La Filmerie, the production companies behind the original film Antoinette dans les Cévennes. The English screenplay was adapted and written by screenwriter Olivia Hetreed (Mrs Harris Goes To Paris, The Girl With The Pearl Earring). “Olivia brilliantly captured the magic of the hit French film, while bringing new, original layers to the story and character of Zoe, which she was able to develop in close collaboration with Toni (Colette) and Catherine (Hardwicke)” , said Gabrielle Stewart, CEO of HanWay distribution box. “It will be a time of irresistible and heartwarming fun!”
This is not the first time that Hollywood has adapted a successful French film. Among the latest, the remake of La Famille Bélier, entitled CODA, won three Oscars in 2022, including best film. Let us wish Catherine Hardwicke that her version of Antoinette in the Cévennes meets with the same success.
