French-Language Reimagining of The Phantom of the Opera Begins Filming at Paris’ Palais Garnier
The first-ever French-language adaptation of Gaston Leroux’s iconic novel The Phantom of the Opera is officially in production, with Alexandre Castagnetti directing a bold, contemporary reimagining of the 19th-century classic. The highly anticipated film, produced and distributed by SND (M6’s production and sales arm), is set to hit French theaters on September 23, 2026.
Global Sales and Early Buzz
Launched at the Berlinale’s EFM earlier this year, the project has already sparked global excitement and secured a wide slate of international pre-sales, including:
-
Europe: Belga Films (Benelux), Pathé (Switzerland), Capelight Pictures (Germany & Austria), Rai Cinema (Italy), A Contracorriente Films (Spain), Cinemundo (Portugal & Lusophone Africa), Monolith Films (Poland), and more across Central and Eastern Europe.
-
Americas: Sphere Films (Canada), California Filmes (South & Central America).
-
Asia: PT Prima Cinema (Indonesia), Scene & Sound (South Korea), Swallow Wings (Taiwan), Pioneer Films (Philippines).
According to Ramy Nahas, Director of International Distribution at SND: “The announcement of the project has sparked global excitement, positioning The Phantom of the Opera as a standout title for 2026.”
Filming at the Historic Opéra Garnier
Principal photography began in August 2025 at Paris’ legendary Palais Garnier, with sequences shot in its theatre, backstage areas, domed roof, and subterranean cistern—the very locations that inspired Leroux’s tale.
Cast and Story
-
Deva Cassel stars as Anastasia, an 18-year-old ballet dancer who arrives in Paris with big dreams.
-
Romain Duris plays James Figueras, the ambitious artistic director reviving Orpheus, the opera cursed by its creator, Ernest Dupré—known as the Phantom.
-
Julien De Saint-Jean joins the ensemble, along with renowned ballet stars Guillaume Diop and Dorothée Gilbert.
See More ...
The story follows Anastasia as she meets the phantom and embarks on an impossible love affair. Meanwhile, tragedy haunts the opera as the prima ballerina barely escapes death, and Anastasia unexpectedly takes on the coveted role of Euridice.
Creative Team
-
Screenplay: Alexandre Castagnetti & Camille Fontaine (Coco Before Chanel).
-
Cinematography: Nicolas Bolduc (The Count of Monte Cristo, The Three Musketeers).
-
Choreography: Marion Motin (collaborator with Madonna, Dua Lipa, Angele; known for Climax and The Substance).
-
Score: Dan Levy (Raw, I Lost My Body).
A Modern Vision for a Timeless Tale
Castagnetti shared his passion for the project: “I grew up with The Phantom of the Opera. With this film, I wanted to bring a fresh perspective while staying true to its timeless essence. It’s an honor to direct the first-ever French-language adaptation of such an iconic tale.”
Producers include Segolène Dupont, Remi Jimenez, and Thierry Desmichelle for SND, alongside Boris Mendza, Gaël Cabouat, and David Atrakchi for FullDawa, the Paris and L.A.-based production company behind Riddle of Fire and Arte’s Building The Paris Opera.
