Philippe Lacheau’s Unforgettable Casting Choice 11 Years Ago: Only Known Actor Agreed!

In 2014, Philippe Lacheau directed his first feature film, Babysitting, which became the surprise hit of the year, attracting 2.3 million viewers. Buoyed by this success, he released a sequel the following year, which drew an even larger audience of 3.2 million. Lacheau subsequently cemented his status as a king of French comedy with hits like Nicky Larson, Alibi.com, Superheroes Despite Himself, and Alibi.com 2. Much of his success he owes to a prominent French actor who graciously agreed to join him on the Babysitting adventure in 2014, when Lacheau needed to prove himself.

A Generous Artist

The actor in question is Gérard Jugnot, who was recently featured on the show C à vous. The host Mohamed Bouhafsi spoke about Jugnot’s generosity and his willingness to support young talents starting out in the industry. During the show, Bouhafsi surprised Jugnot by playing a short video message from Philippe Lacheau.

“I heard you were on C à vous today; it’s a chance for me to tell you once more how much I love you. I remember back during the filming of Babysitting, we were looking for a well-known actor to help us, especially with funding. You were the only well-known actor who agreed to come on board.”, Lacheau shared.

I remember back during the filming of Babysitting, we were looking for a well-known actor to help us, especially with funding. You were the only well-known actor who agreed to come on board.

No Money, but Plenty of Ideas

“That’s something I’ll never forget. I even remember the first day. You asked, ‘Where’s my trailer? I’d like to rest.’ We told you, ‘There’s no trailer because there’s no money.’ You went to sleep in your car and you said something very beautiful: ‘There might not be money in this film, but it has what’s essential.’”, Lacheau continued.

“We’ve had other great adventures since then and I’m sure we have many more to experience together.”, concluded the director. Moved and amused, Gérard Jugnot spoke about his upcoming feature film as a director, Mauvaise pioche, in which he has cast Philippe Lacheau as a “very dumb cop, and he’s fantastic.”

In the meantime, Gérard Jugnot will appear in Y’a pas de réseau, a comedy similar to Home Alone, set to hit theaters on August 6. The story follows Jonas and Gabi, aged 9 and 11, who spend a weekend with their parents in a secluded cottage in the middle of a forest.

Shortly after arriving, the two kids decide to sneak out alone into the wilderness, where they stumble upon two bumbling yet dangerous crooks attempting to blow up a cell tower to cut off communication. This sparks a wild chase, during which the kids must turn their cottage into a veritable fortress of traps and obstacles to evade their pursuers.

Meanwhile, Philippe Lacheau is preparing a new adaptation of Marsupilami, set to premiere on the big screen on February 4, 2026.