Filmmaker Ladj Ly (Les Misérables) is diving deep into untold French history with his next project, Dumas: Black Devil — and he’s bringing an all-French ensemble with him. Headlining the historical epic are Theo Christine (Supremes) in the title role, Omar Sy (Lupin), Vincent Cassel (Black Swan) and François Civil (Beating Hearts).
The film tells the true story of General Thomas Alexandre Dumas, the son of a Haitian slave and French nobleman who rose through the ranks to become the first Black general in the French military — and the highest-ranking person of African descent in a Western army at the time. A towering figure in France’s revolutionary history, his legacy would go on to inspire his son, Alexandre Dumas, who became the famed author of The Three Musketeers and The Count of Monte Cristo.
Produced by Dimitri Rassam’s Chapter 2 (a Mediawan company), Srab Films, and Pathé, Dumas: Black Devil is slated to begin production in February 2026. The project will launch global sales at the Cannes market through Pathé, Goodfellas, and CAA Media Finance, with Library Pictures International also on board as a co-financier.
A Revolutionary Story Finally Told
Born in 1762, General Dumas was a military prodigy — rising from slavery to serve as a commander under Napoleon Bonaparte. Despite his heroism and battlefield brilliance, he was denied proper recognition, a pension, and even the Legion of Honor due to racial prejudice. His story, while foundational to France’s revolutionary era, has largely been erased from public memory.
Ladj Ly, whose directorial debut Les Misérables earned four César Awards and an Oscar nomination, says he was drawn to the project because of the story’s emotional urgency and generational resonance.
“General Dumas’ life is powerful and deeply inspiring — a story of courage, injustice, and resilience,” said Ly. “I’m proud to bring it to the screen with this cast. It’s a project that carries immense emotion and urgency.”
Christine takes on the role of Dumas, with Sy, Cassel, and Civil portraying key historical figures alongside him. The film is written by Anne Abitbol, Dan Franck (Carlos), and Thomas Bidegain (Emilia Perez).
A Legacy That Shaped Literature
While General Dumas was denied the glory he earned, his son Alexandre ensured his name would live on — turning the essence of his father’s life into literature that would transcend time. From The Three Musketeers to The Count of Monte Cristo, the elder Dumas’ life bled into the pages of those classics, which were penned as both adventure and homage.
Producer Dimitri Rassam said the idea behind the film wasn’t just to make another literary adaptation, but to go back to the source — the man who inspired it all.
“We felt a great deal of responsibility to honor this legacy. Telling General Dumas’ story with the same creative ambition as Monte Cristo feels like the right next chapter,” said Rassam. “Ladj is the perfect director to take this on.”
Toufik Ayadi and Christophe Barral of Srab Films added that the film brings together “some of the finest talents of their generation to portray these larger-than-life figures,” continuing their longstanding creative partnership with Ly.
Pathé Looks to Build on Past Success
The project is backed by the same production teams responsible for France’s recent blockbuster adaptations. The Count of Monte Cristo drew nearly 10 million admissions in France alone and performed strongly internationally. With Dumas: Black Devil, Pathé is hoping to channel that momentum into another historic box office run — this time telling the real story that inspired it all.
Pathé Films chairman Ardavan Safaee called the film “a bold, emotional journey” that re-centers a hero erased by history. “General Dumas was a fearless protector of democratic values — and his story couldn’t be more timely. This exceptional cast will finally bring his legacy to light.”
With a powerful true story, celebrated director, and some of France’s most recognizable faces attached, Dumas: Black Devil is already generating early buzz ahead of Cannes. The film aims to be both cinematic spectacle and long-overdue recognition — the kind of story that doesn’t just entertain, but reframes how history is remembered.