Paramount+ - Zorro: Press Conference for the Launch of the New Series

By Mulder, Paris, Hotel Le Marois, 03 september 2024

On Tuesday, September 3, 2024, the Hotel Le Marois in Paris was the scene of a major event: the official press conference for the launch of the new series Zorro, starring Oscar-winning actor Jean Dujardin. The event, organized by Paramount+, attracted numerous journalists and photographers eager to discover this new incarnation of the famous masked vigilante.

The press conference was attended by a prestigious cast and crew, including key figures from both production and casting. Speakers included Emmanuelle Bon, Vice President of Content for Paramount+ in France and the MENA region, producer Marc Dujardin, screenwriter Benjamin charbit, actors Grégoire Gadebois, Audrey Dana, Jean Dujardin, André dussolier, Éric Elmosnino and Salvatore Ficarra, directors Émilie Noble and Jean-Baptiste Saurel. The press conference was hosted by Joe Hume.

Marc Dujardin, producer and brother of Jean Dujardin, took to the stage to share his enthusiasm for the realization of this series, which represents a long-held dream. He also spoke of the challenges encountered during filming, including the need to recreate the historic Los Angeles sets in the vast arid landscapes of southern Spain. Scriptwriter Benjamin Charbit, behind this new version of Zorro, explained how he wanted to modernize the story while remaining true to the classic themes of justice and heroism. For Benjamin Charbit, it was crucial to inject a more complex dimension into the character of Don Diego de la Vega, exploring not only his exploits as Zorro, but also his internal struggles as mayor of Los Angeles, husband, and a man plagued by self-doubt.

In addition to Jean Dujardin, the cast of the series shines with the presence of renowned talents. Audrey Dana, who plays Don Diego's wife Gabriella, described her character as strong, but also vulnerable, torn between her love for her husband and her incomprehension of his frequent absences. Audrey Dana also expressed her pride at taking part in such a major project, alongside an actor of Jean Dujardin's stature.

Other cast members present at the conference, such as Éric Elmosnino, Salvatore Ficarra, and Grégoire Gadebois, each spoke about their respective roles and the importance of this project for their careers. All praised the vision of directors Jean-Baptiste Saurel and Émilie Noblet, who they felt had captured the essence of the Zorro universe while adding a resolutely modern touch.

Zorro, an international co-production involving France Télévisions, Paramount+, Le Collectif 64 (Marc Dujardin's production company), and Bien Sûr Productions, stands out for the scale of its production. With a budget estimated at 23 million euros, the series has spared no expense to deliver sumptuous sets and spectacular action sequences.

Shooting took place mainly in Spain, in the Almería region, and involved international technical crews. Well-known as the setting for many classic westerns, the region provided the perfect backdrop for the film crew to recreate the atmosphere of early 19th-century California. Among the most impressive sets was a life-size replica of the city of Los Angeles, with its dusty streets, peasant homes and imposing casino, the scene of many scenes of dramatic tension.

The role of Zorro marks Jean Dujardin's return to television, more than twenty years after the phenomenal success of Un gars, une fille. At the conference, the actor explained that he was immediately seduced by the depth of the character of Don Diego de la Vega in this new version. Jean Dujardin also emphasized the physical challenge of the role. At the age of 52, the actor had to prepare intensively for the fight scenes, horseback races and acrobatics required to embody Zorro.

The excitement surrounding the Zorro series is palpable, from both professionals and fans alike. The project, which combines a rich narrative, authentic settings and a first-rate cast, promises to captivate viewers from the moment it airs. With Jean Dujardin in the title role, this new adaptation of Zorro promises to be one of the major television events of 2024.

Zorro will be broadcast exclusively on Paramount+ in France from September 6, 2024, with releases planned in other European countries and Latin America in the following months. The series' eight episodes promise to revisit the Zorro myth while offering a contemporary perspective on the challenges of a timeless hero. Viewers can look forward to a series rich in action, emotion and moral dilemmas, featuring Jean Dujardin as Zorro, more human than ever, confronting the realities of a changing world. Don't miss this rendezvous with adventure and myth, on September 6 on Paramount+.

See our selection of photos from the press conference and photocall on our Flickr page.

Synopsis:
In 1821, Don Diego de la Vega becomes mayor of his beloved Los Angeles, which he intends to make prosper. However, the municipality is facing financial problems due to the greed of a local businessman, Don Emmanuel, against whom the mayor's powers prove insufficient to fight injustice. Diego hasn't called on his double Zorro in 20 years. But in the name of the common good, he has no choice but to pull out his mask and sword. Diego soon finds it difficult to reconcile his dual identity as Zorro and mayor, and this puts a strain on his marriage to Gabriella, who is unaware of his secret. Can Diego save his marriage and his sanity in the midst of chaos?

Zorro
Created by Benjamin Charbit, Noé Debré
Director: Émilie Noblet and Jean-Baptiste Saurel
Script: by Benjamin Charbit and Noé Debré
Production: Marc Dujardin
With Jean Dujardin, Grégory Gadebois, Salvatore Ficarra, André Dussollier, Audrey Dana , Éric Elmosnino, Julien Paschal, Jean-Benoît Ugeux, Rafael Valle
Production company: France Télévisions, Panache Productions, Collectif 64, The Alliance, RTL TVI, Wallimage, Bien sûr Productions, Paramount+.
Distribution: Paramount+, France tv distribution
Original Air Date: September 6, 2024
Broadcast : Paramount+, France 2
Running time: 40 minutes

Photos : Boris Colletier / Mulderville