Released in theaters in 2016, Brice 3 marks the return of Jean Dujardin in his iconic role, more than ten years after the success of Brice of Nice. Directed by James Huth, this French comedy also sees the return of Clovis Cornillac and Bruno Salomone, continuing the intentionally quirky universe of the Nice surfer. Although initially made for the big screen, the film will be available for streaming on Prime Video starting January 1, 2026.
In this self-assured sequel – which deliberately skips over number 2 – Brice remains unchanged. Still convinced he's a legendary surfer despite the lack of waves in Nice, he continues to live by his own rules, in a timeless bubble. The world around him evolves, but Brice remains frozen, loyal to his mantras and his obsession with "caring" for his true passion.
When Marius, his lifelong friend, calls for help, Brice decides to leave his comfortable Mediterranean life behind. This sudden departure sparks a journey to the other side of the world, thrusting the character into situations that challenge his beliefs without fundamentally changing him. Friendship and cultural differences drive the story in this adventure that feels like a coming-of-age odyssey.
While not abandoning the slapstick humor that made the first film a hit, Brice 3 cleverly plays on the contrast between a hero deliberately staying still and a world that’s constantly in motion. The story explores this tension, all the while embracing a deliberately absurd and self-centered style that stays true to the spirit of the series.
The origins of Brice 3 follow immediately after the first film, with no intermediate sequel. James Huth and Jean Dujardin see this decision as a meta-joke embedded within the character. The screenplay, co-written by the two, is built on the idea that Brice should never truly evolve — even though his actor, meanwhile, has gone on to pursue a career filled with more dramatic roles and international acclaim.
The filming primarily took place in natural outdoor locations across France and Asia, facing numerous challenges posed by weather conditions. Some scenes were shot in Thailand, where the crew had to adapt to unpredictable tides. This itinerant approach adds to the comic, road-movie vibe that the director envisioned.
Overall, Brice 3 caters mainly to fans who are already familiar with the character and his trademark absurd humor. The film follows in the footsteps of popular French comedies from the 2000s, while also offering a more modern perspective on social issues, norms, and voluntary marginalization. It’s a show that stays true to the franchise’s DNA without trying to reinvent the wheel.
Brice 3
Film | 2016
Release in theaters: October 19, 2016
Available on Prime Video starting January 1, 2026
Comedy | Duration: 1h35
Directed by James Huth | Starring Jean Dujardin, Clovis Cornillac, Bruno Salomone
Country: France
With this third installment, James Huth and Jean Dujardin deliver a sequel that embraces its slow narrative pace and bold humor. Brice 3 continues the journey of a character who has become a symbol of French popular cinema, refusing to mold him to current industry norms.
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