Making his feature film debut, Barbara Schulz directs The Secret of Khéops, a historical adventure film starring Fabrice Luchini, alongside Julia Piaton and Gavril Dartevelle. Released in theaters on March 5, 2025, the movie will premiere on Canal+ on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at 9:07 PM. Blending heritage investigation with adventure fiction, it follows in the footsteps of treasure hunt stories rooted in history.
Christian Robinson is an archaeologist convinced that a major ancient secret still lies hidden in France. He believes that the treasure of Pharaoh Khéops was uncovered during Napoleon’s Egyptian campaign and later concealed in Paris. For years, he has pursued this theory, which most of his colleagues dismiss as far-fetched. However, a recently discovered inscription in Cairo has reignited his confidence and prompted him to reopen a case he thought was closed forever.
Joining his daughter and grandson, Christian Robinson embarks on a frantic race against time across the city. From archival footage of the Louvre to more secretive sites tied to Napoleon's history, his investigation leads him through a series of discoveries, with clues left behind by Dominique Vivant Denon, the museum’s first director, playing a key role. This family quest also transforms into a deeply personal journey, blending themes of heritage and reconciliation with the thrill of the adventure.
The film’s origin stems from a direct insight by its director, inspired by readings and documentaries about Napoleon’s Egyptian expedition. Barbara Schulz developed her screenplay through extensive research, consulting experts like historian David Chanteranne for the Napoleonic era and Egyptologist Jean-Guillaume Olette-Pelletier for references to Khéops. This scholarly approach aims to ground the story in a believable historical setting, while still allowing for narrative flexibility.
The filming took place across Paris, with certain Egyptian scenes shot in recreated sets in Casablanca. Some rarely seen Parisian locations, including underground tunnels and historic sites usually closed to the public, were incorporated into the story. This choice of locations adds to the film’s mysterious atmosphere while highlighting France’s rich architectural and historical heritage.
The tone of the film caters to fans of adventure stories and historical mysteries. With its narrative style, The Secret of Khéops aligns closely with classics like Indiana Jones or Benjamin Gates and the Treasure of the Templars, while taking a more intimate approach. The pacing emphasizes investigation and dialogue, enhanced by Fabrice Luchini’s distinctive performance.
Playing Christian Robinson, the actor infuses the character with a scholarly and often unpredictable quality. The director embraced improvisation, giving Luchini the freedom to enrich the dialogue while staying true to its spirit. Julia Piaton and Gavril Dartevelle portray the family side of the story, balancing the themes of collective adventure and individual journeys.
The Secret of Khéops
Film | 2025
In theaters on March 5, 2025
TV Broadcast: Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at 9:07 PM on Canal+
Adventure | Duration: 1h38
Directed by Barbara Schulz | Starring Fabrice Luchini, Julia Piaton, Gavril Dartevelle
Country: France
With its broadcast on Canal+, The Secret of Khéops gains a televised boost that extends its journey beyond the big screen. The film presents a French heritage adventure that blends fiction, family legacy, and fascination with legendary historical figures, all crafted specifically for a broad audience.
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