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One of the most anticipated French projects coming to Netflix later this year is an ambitious new role Hunchback of Notre-Dame Starring Vincent Cassel. latest title Quasimodo, Spirit of Paris (Quasimodo, Lame de Paris H/T in French stupid shepherd), the sweeping historical epic has been confirmed for global release in the fall of 2026. Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming film.
Filled with political rebellion, romance and history, this project is going to be a big blockbuster for Netflix’s international slate. With a reported budget of a whopping €30 million, it is one of the most expensive French productions the streamer has ever made. The project was first presented to the public by Netflix in June 2025.
Before we dive into the full details, here are some quick facts about the project. Set for release in 2026, this French historical drama and period piece is full of political rebellion and romance. Directed by Jean-François Richet and written by writers Eric Besnard and Edgar Marie, the film promises a unique vibe that blends an honest, romantic tone with the thrilling pace of a chase film.
This is the second time Netflix has attempted to adapt the source material, with the 2018 iteration starring Idris Elba never come to fruition.
what is the plot of Quasimodo, Spirit of Paris?
Unlike the direct adaptation of Victor Hugo’s classic 1831 novel, the film takes a more ambiguous, historically based approach. The official logline provided by Netflix reads:
“Set in Paris on the eve of the July Revolution (1830), the film reimagines the life of the man who is said to have inspired Victor Hugo’s iconic character, Quasimodo. As a cholera epidemic spreads through the city, he is caught between political turmoil and an impossible love.”
Its basis is rooted in fascinating real-world history. About 15 years ago, documents discovered in the Tate archives revealed the memoirs of a 19th-century British sculptor called Henry Sibson. Sibson wrote about working with a hunchbacked stone carver in the cathedral around 1830 – widely believed to be the real-life inspiration for Hugo’s tragic bell ringer.
Notre-Dame has already been at the center of another Netflix project (a 2022 French drama miniseries) Notre Dame covering the devastating fire), but this period piece promises to be a much deeper dive into the folklore and history of the Paris landmark.
who is in the cast of quasimodo?
Vincent Castle (black Swan, ocean’s twelve, Mesrine) Quasimodo leads the film in the form of the title. Castle is no stranger to Netflix, having recently produced the EDM satire bangerWhich drops on the platform in 2025.
He is also joined by an impressive group of French talents. Although their specific character names are still being kept under wraps, the confirmed cast includes:
- Karim Lecleu (BAC Nord)
- Daphne Patakia (benedetta)
- benjamin voisin (lost illusion)
- noemi lvovsky (Camille Rewinds)
- Sebastian Poudroux (The Three Musketeers: D’Artagnan)
- Eli Nachmani (citadel)
- alexis rosenstiehl (Les Trois Fantastiques)
Who is behind the production?
The film is directed by veteran French director Jean-François Richet. Richet and Castle are longtime collaborators, having worked together on the acclaimed crime epic Mesrine and 2018 historical epic emperor of paris. International audiences will also recognize Richet as the director of the 2023 Gerard Butler action plane.
Who wrote the script? Eric Besnard And edgar mary. Besnard specializes in Victor Hugo-adjacent projects; He recently wrote and directed the historical drama jean valjeandiscovery of the origin of Les Miserables Hero, which releases in theaters in late 2025.
Quasimodo, Spirit of Paris is produced by Clement Miserez, Matthew WarterAnd Candice Vigneron For radar films. The production company has proven to be a powerhouse for French cinema, previously directing the 2024 Netflix comedy family pack Starring Frank Dubose, as well as the above jean valjean.
where was Quasimodo filmed?
Filming officially began in August 2025 and ended in October 2025. Although the crew did not gain access to the actual Notre-Dame de Paris to shoot, production took place at various historic French locations.
Scenes were filmed in Paris and the Oise department, particularly using the rich historical backdrop of Compiègne and Senlis. significantly, surprisingly Saint-Étienne de Bourges Cathedral Notre-Dame was used to host several days of secret filming in September 2025. The production is expected to rely on extensive CGI modifications to accurately recreate the skyline of 1830s Paris. Filming was completed in early November 2025.
When is the Netflix release date?
Although Netflix has not yet set an exact premiere date, the streamer has confirmed Quasimodo, Spirit of Paris Will make his world debut in fall 2026.
For more on Netflix’s upcoming French slate – go here.
Are you curious about this new take on the legendary character? Let us know in the comments below and add New movie in your Netflix queue here.
