EXCLUSIVE: Paris-based SND has unveiled a slew of pre-sales on Alexandre Castagnetti’s contemporary, French-language reimagining of 19th century classic The Phantom of the Opera and the start of principal photography over the summer.
The film production, distribution and sales arm of french commercial free-to-air broadcaster M6, which is co-producing, selling, and distributing the film in France, launched sales on the ambitious project at the Berlinale’s EFM in February.
Since then it has pre-sold the feature to Benelux (Belga Films); Switzerland (Pathé); Germany & Austria (Capelight Pictures); Italy (Rai Cinema); Spain (A Contracorriente Films); Portugal & Lusophone Africa (Cinemundo); Poland (Monolith Films); the Czech Republic and Slovakia (AQS A.S.); Romania and Moldova (ADS Service Ltd); Bulgaria (Pro Films), Croatia, Slovenia, Bosnia, Serbia, Montenegro, Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Albania ((Blitz Film); Canada (Sphere Films); South and Central America (California Filmes); Indonesia (PT Prima Cinema), South Korea (Scene & Sound); Taiwan (Swallow Wings) and Philippines (Pioneer Films).
“The announcement of the project has sparked global excitement, positioning The Phantom of the Opera as a standout title for 2026,” said Ramy Nahas, Director of International Distribution, SND.
“With significant commercial and artistic potential, the film has already attracted international distributors. We look forward to collaborating with our partners to bring the film to theaters and to securing additional distribution agreements in the coming months.”
Principal photography began at Paris’ world famous Palais Garnier opera house, or Opéra Garnier, in August, during its summer break, with scenes being shot against the backdrop of its theatre, backstage areas, domed roof and subterranean vaulted cistern, sometimes referred to as its lake.
Castagnetti (Stand by Love, Tamara, School Society) is directing from a screenplay co-written with Camille Fontaine ( Coco Before Chanel).
He is promising a bold contemporary reimagining of Gaston Leroux’s classic novel with Twilight vibes, gathering Deva Cassel (La Bella estate, The Leopard); Julien De Saint-Jean (The Count of Monte Cristo, Delicious); Romain Duris (The Animal Kingdom, The Three Musketeers, Eiffel) in the cast as well acclaimed ballet stars Guillaume Diop and Dorothée Gilbert.
Cassel stars as 18 year old Anastasia, who is newly-arrived in Paris and full of hopes and dreams as she takes up a position as a ballet dancer at the Opéra Garnier.
Ambitious artistic director, James Figueras (Duris), is reviving Orpheus, the mythic opera by Ernest Dupré, who is known as the Phantom of the Opera.
One night, Anastasia meets the phantom and they embark on an impossible love story. In the meantime the prima ballerina, meant for the role of Euridice – Orpheus dead wife who he follows into the underworld – barely escapes death: the curse continues. Soon, Anastasia lands the prestigious role.
“I grew up with The Phantom of the Opera — it’s a story that has always fascinated me. 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, and to join filmmakers like Rupert Julian, Brian De Palma, and Joel Schumacher who have reimagined this legend for the screen,” said Castagnetti.
Behind the camera is acclaimed DOP Nicolas Bolduc, known for his award-winning work on The Count of Montecristo and The three Musketeers.
Renowned Marion Motin, celebrated for her work with artists Madonna, Angele, Dua Lipa and her innovative choreography in Climax and The Substance, designs the film’s dances and ballets. The score is composed by Dan Levy, acclaimed for his music for Raw and I lost my body.
The Phantom of the opera is produced by Segolène Dupont, Remi Jimenez and Thierry Desmichelle for SND, Boris Mendza, Gaël Cabouat, and David Atrakchi for FullDawa.
“The Phantom of the Opera is a timeless IP that has been inspiring numerous adaptations across film, television, and stage. Alexandre Castagnetti follows in the footsteps of legendary filmmakers and appropriates the classic novel to make its own. His vision, his passion and ambition will resonate with today’s viewers” said Thierry Desmichelle, producer, SND.
Paris and L.A.-based production company FullDawa (Riddle of Fire, Uncorked), which has previously produced fiction films and documentaries set against the backdrop of the Opéra Garnier such as the 2020 Arte non-fiction work Building The Paris Opera.
The movie is set for a September 23, 2026 release in France.
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