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One of the most anticipated French projects heading to Netflix later this year is an ambitious new take on The Hunchback of Notre-Dame starring Vincent Cassel. Freshly titled Quasimodo, the Soul of Paris (Quasimodo, l’âme de Paris in French h/t TheNerdShepherd), the sweeping historical epic is confirmed for a Fall 2026 global release. Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming movie.
Packed with political rebellion, romance, and history, the project is shaping up to be a massive blockbuster for Netflix’s international slate. Boasting a massive reported budget of €30 million, it is easily one of the most expensive French productions the streamer has ever greenlit. The project was first unveiled to the public by Netflix back in June 2025.
Before we dive into the full details, here are a few fast facts about the project. Slated for a Fall 2026 release, this French historical drama and period piece is steeped in political rebellion and romance. Directed by Jean-François Richet and penned by writers Éric Besnard and Edgar Marie, the film promises a unique vibe that blends a sincere, romantic tone with the thrilling pace of a chase movie.
This serves as the second time Netflix has attempted to adapt the source material, with a 2018 iteration starring Idris Elba never coming to fruition.
What is the plot of Quasimodo, the Soul of Paris?
Unlike direct adaptations of Victor Hugo’s classic 1831 novel, this film takes a more obscure, historically grounded approach. The official logline provided by Netflix reads:
“Set in Paris on the eve of the July Revolution (1830), this film reimagines the life of the man said to have inspired Victor Hugo’s iconic character, Quasimodo. As the cholera epidemic spreads through the city, he’s caught between political turmoil and an impossible love.”
The premise is rooted in fascinating real-world history. About 15 years ago, documents unearthed in the Tate archives revealed the memoirs of a 19th-century British sculptor named Henry Sibson. Sibson wrote about working at the cathedral around 1830 alongside a humpbacked stone carver—who is 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 (the 2022 French drama miniseries Notre-Dame covering the devastating fire), but this period piece promises a much darker dive into the folklore and history of the Parisian landmark.
Who is in the cast of Quasimodo?
Vincent Cassel (Black Swan, Ocean’s Twelve, Mesrine) leads the film as the titular Quasimodo. Cassel is no stranger to Netflix, having recently fronted the EDM satire Banger, which dropped on the platform in 2025.
He is joined by an impressive ensemble of French talent. While their specific character names are still being kept tightly under wraps, the confirmed cast includes:
- Karim Leklou (BAC Nord)
- Daphné Patakia (Benedetta)
- Benjamin Voisin (Lost Illusions)
- Noémie Lvovsky (Camille Rewinds)
- Sébastien Pouderoux (The Three Musketeers: D’Artagnan)
- Eli Nachmani (The Stronghold)
- Alexis Rosenstiehl (Les Trois Fantastiques)
Who is behind the production?
The movie is helmed by veteran French director Jean-François Richet. Richet and Cassel are longtime collaborators, having worked together on the acclaimed crime epic Mesrine and the 2018 historical epic The Emperor of Paris. International audiences will also recognize Richet as the director of the 2023 Gerard Butler actioner Plane.
The script was penned by Éric Besnard and Edgar Marie. Besnard has a knack for Victor Hugo-adjacent projects; he recently wrote and directed the historical drama Jean Valjean, exploring the origins of the Les Misérables protagonist, which released in theaters in late 2025.
Quasimodo, the Soul of Paris is produced by Clément Miserez, Matthieu Warter, and Candice Vigneron for Radar Films. The production company has proven to be a powerhouse for French cinema, previously shepherding the 2024 Netflix comedy Family Pack starring Franck Dubosc, as well as the aforementioned Jean Valjean.
Where was Quasimodo filmed?
Filming officially kicked off in August 2025 and wrapped up in October 2025. While the crew didn’t get access to shoot at the actual Notre-Dame de Paris, production took place across various historic French locations.
Scenes were shot in Paris and the Oise department, specifically utilizing the rich historic backdrops of Compiègne and Senlis. Crucially, the stunning Saint-Étienne de Bourges Cathedral was used to stand in for Notre-Dame, hosting several days of secretive filming in September 2025. The production is expected to rely on extensive CGI modifications to accurately recreate the 1830s Parisian skyline. Filming had wrapped by early November 2025.
When is the Netflix release date?
While Netflix has not set an exact premiere date just yet, the streamer has confirmed that Quasimodo, the Soul of Paris will debut globally in Fall 2026.
For more on Netflix’s upcoming French slate – head here.
Are you curious about this new take on the legendary character? Let us know in the comments below and add the new movie to your Netflix queue here.
