There’s a new movie adaptation coming out based on Alexandre Dumas’ iconic story, The Count of Monte Cristo. The French-language film comes from writer-directors Alexandre de La Patellière and Matthieu Delaporte and, based on the U.S. trailer released today, looks like a compelling rendition of Dumas’ source material.
Here’s the official synopsis of the film, if you need a refresher on the story:
The target of a sinister plot, young Edmond Dantès (Pierre Niney) is arrested on his wedding day for a crime he did not commit. After fourteen years in the island prison of Château d’If, he manages a daring escape. Now rich beyond his dreams, he assumes the identity of the Count of Monte Cristo and exacts his revenge on the three men who betrayed him.
This is far from the first adaptation of The Count of Monte Cristo. The 1844 story has graced the big screen starting with silent films in the 1910s and has inspired numerous movies since then, including features in 1934, 1975, and most recently, in 2002 starring Jim Caviezel and Guy Pearce. Gérard Depardieu also starred as the titular character in a 1998 miniseries.
In addition to Niney in the lead role, this 2024 version includes the acting talents of Anaïs Demoustier, Laurent Lafitte, Anamaria Vartolomei, Bastien Bouillon, Patrick Mille, Vassili Schneider, and Julien de Saint Jean. The film premiered at Cannes this May, and is finally making its way across the pond; The Count of Monte Cristo premieres in theaters on December 20, 2024.
Check out the trailer below.
