4 Zéros in theaters: Fabien Onteniente's next hit?

4 Zéros broadcast on Canal+ in August 2025
Fabien Onteniente's comedy 4 Zéros, starring Gérard Lanvin, Didier Bourdon and Isabelle Nanty, will be broadcast on Canal+ on August 22, 2025 at 9:09pm. [Read more]

Sortir à Paris: The film focuses on the sometimes sulphurous themes of the world of soccer and sports agents. How did you approach these subjects, so that they resonate with today's audiences?

Fabien Onteniente: The role of agents has become crucial in modern soccer. Today, they can transform or destroy a career. In the film, Kaaris plays an unscrupulous agent who exploits young talent from modest backgrounds. It's a phenomenon we're seeing more and more, with agents targeting young players at a very early age, particularly in neighborhoods - the famous "Mbappé project". They draw them into a world where everything can change quickly, often to the detriment of their personal equilibrium.

By the way, why did you choose to make a sequel to 3 Zeros, which will be released 22 years after the original film? How is the film different?

F. O. : At the time of 3 Zeros, soccer wasn't as centralized around business and agents as it is today. The film is about a tougher, more competitive soccer, where players are physically and mentally under pressure. You don't need to have seen the first film to appreciate 4 Zeros. It's the same protagonists, but the story is different, reflecting this modern era of soccer, where the pressure on young talent is much greater.

The cast is particularly varied, with actors like Gérard Lanvin and Didier Bourdon, and artists like Mohammed Henni and Kaaris. How and why did you recruit this team?

F. O.: In addition to having an excellent casting director, I've kept very good relations in the film and sports world since 3 Zéros, which has enabled me to assemble this incredible cast. It's a combination of generations and styles. Gérard Lanvin and Didier Bourdon are experienced actors, while Mohammed Henni and Kaaris add a contemporary energy. Mohammed Henni, for example, has a direct link with today's soccer culture thanks to his humor and his presence on social networks. Mamadou Haïdara, who plays the role of Kidane (discovered in the series Lupin with Omar Sy), is also a favorite. We had to find a young artist who was good at soccer and in front of the screen. We hope the audience will enjoy his performance as much as we did during the shoot.

Speaking of Kidane's character, who plays the part of a young soccer prodigy, what did you want to convey through his story?

F. O.: Kidane symbolizes the dreams of many young people from difficult neighborhoods who see soccer as an escape. But his story also shows the cruel reality of the sporting world: economic pressures, exploitation by agents, and the difficulty of remaining oneself in a system that crushes individuality. We've taken a close look at the legal reality and social violence of this industry. I wanted his career to reflect this struggle, not only against his opponents on the pitch, but also against the outside forces that try to control him.

The film comes out at the height of the soccer season, with famous references. Do you think the film is aimed at a very specific audience, or can it be made for the general public?

F. O.: 4 Zeros is designed to appeal to a wide audience. Of course, soccer fans will appreciate the film's references and atmosphere, but it's also a social comedy with universal themes such as dreams, ambition and disillusionment. It's not just about soccer, it's about human stories. We wanted to appeal to everyone, not just sports fans. As an anecdote, we invited a number of cultural personalities to the preview: some of them, very critical and often unfiltered with me, confessed to loving this particular film! We'd be delighted to surprise your readers too - see you on October 23, 2024!

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Official trailer for 4 Zeros (2024) :

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