6 Years Later, Incredible True Story Turns into Star-Studded Film – First Look with Philippe Lacheau!

The unveiling of the first photo and synopsis of “Mauvaise Pioche,” Gérard Jugnot’s latest project, has caused quite a stir. The director, who also stars in the film, is joined by a notable cast including Philippe Lacheau, Thierry Lhermitte, Michèle Laroque, Zabou Breitman, Reem Kherici, Jean-Pierre Darroussin, François Morel, Philippe Duquesne, Charlotte Gabris, François Bureloup, and Claudia Bacos.

Jugnot reunites with his long-time colleague from the Splendid troupe, Thierry Lhermitte, as well as Philippe Lacheau, who previously directed him in “Babysitting” in 2013, “Nicky Larson et le parfum de Cupidon” in 2018, and “Alibi.com 2” in 2023. This marks the first time Jugnot has directed Lacheau, affectionately known as Fifi.

Inspired by the Arrest of the Wrong Xavier Dupont de Ligonnès

While the cast was already known, the plot had been kept under wraps until now. We learn that “Mauvaise Pioche” is inspired by the October 2019 arrest of Guy Jao, a 70-year-old man who was mistakenly identified as Xavier Dupont de Ligonnès, a case that had already inspired Jean-Christophe Meurisse’s film “Les Pistolets en plastique,” released in June 2024.

The synopsis for Jugnot’s thirteenth feature film is as follows: Mistakenly arrested and confused with France’s most wanted man, Serge Martin, a peaceful retiree, becomes the focus of media frenzy. Caught in an endless whirlwind, he strives to prove his innocence and reclaim his life… if that’s still possible!

The first photo shows the actor from behind, handcuffed, facing Jean-Pierre Darroussin, Philippe Lacheau, Charlotte Gabris, and Michèle Laroque.

The film is particularly timely as Xavier Dupont de Ligonnès, suspected of murdering his wife and four children whose bodies were found under the terrace of their house in Nantes in April 2011, has recently resurfaced in the news. Influencer Aquababe claimed last Saturday, April 26, to have located France’s most wanted man in Asia, sparking a social media frenzy around Dupont de Ligonnès.

Filming for “Mauvaise Pioche” began on March 31 and is set to wrap up on May 16, taking place between Marseille and Martigues. No release date has been announced yet.