Alexandre Dumas‘ 1844 literary classic The Three Musketeers continues to inspire the film industry. Beginning with a silent adaptation in 1921, there have been six direct feature adaptations of the novel, plus a variety of serials, animated versions and TV adaptations over the years. So it’s no surprise that not one, but two films based on Dumas’ novel are in the works.
Per Variety, Martin Bourboulon will direct both The Three Musketeers – D’Artagnan and The Three Musketeers – Milady, with both films starring Eva Green, Vincent Cassel, and Oliver Jackson-Cohen.
Matthieu Delaporte and Alexandre de la Patellière have written the script for both films, and the ambitious two-part adaptation is being budgeted at around $73 million. Pathé and Chapter 2 CEO Dimitri Rassam will produce.
Dumas’ novel is set between 1625 and 1628, and recounts the adventures of a young man named D’Artagnan after he leaves home to travel to Paris, hoping to join the Musketeers of the Guard. During his trip, he is befriended by three of the most formidable musketeers of the age, and becomes involved in affairs of state and at court.
These adaptations will also reportedly introduce a new character, Hannibal, based on the true story of Louis Anniaba, the first Black musketeer in French history.
Rassam, considered one of France’s top producers, said in a statement: “We feel a great deal of responsibility to protect the work of Dumas whilst offering an authentic and exciting cinematic saga for today’s audiences”. Pathé Films’ CEO Ardavan Safaee added:
“We are thrilled to launch, for the third time in our history, the adaptation of one of the most iconic piece of French literature with an incredible creative team and longstanding partners who gathered as our own musketeers”.
The films will also star Vicky Krieps (Phantom Thread) and arthouse star Louis Garrel. The films will be shot back-to-back at the end of this summer in France.
#Peace.Love.TheThreeMusketeers
