Les Misérables, the new adaptation of Victor Hugo’s novel by Fred Cavayé, reveals its first teaser and the official poster. Led by Vincent Lindon, Tahar Rahim and Camille Cottin, this French historical drama will be released exclusively in cinemas on October 14, 2026.
The film once again brings Victor Hugo's magnum opus to the big screen. The feature-length movie also reunites Benjamin Lavernhe, Noémie Merlant, Vassili Schneider, Megan Northam and Marie Colomb.
Vincent Lindon stars as Jean Valjean, freed after nineteen years in prison for stealing a loaf of bread. This central character from the novel has recently been the subject of another film, Jean Valjean, headlined by Grégory Gadebois and focused on the early stages of his redemption. In Fred Cavayé's adaptation, the former convict adopts a new identity, gradually becomes a respected figure in the community, and strives to devote his life to the greater good.
His path crosses that of Fantine, a dying factory worker to whom he promises to save her daughter, Cosette, who is being kept and exploited by the Thénardiers. But his past catches up with him when the inspector Javert, played by Tahar Rahim, sets out to pursue him, determined to haul him back to the galley.
In a Paris swept up in revolution, Jean Valjean must shield Cosette while pressing on with his quest for redemption. The story then weaves together intimate journeys, social injustice, acts of sacrifice, and a clash between two competing visions of law and justice.
The opening shots reveal Vincent Lindon in the role of Jean Valjean and Tahar Rahim as Javert. The teaser highlights the inspector's pursuit and the redemption arc of the former convict.
With this adaptation, Fred Cavayé continues his exploration of characters facing moral crossroads in a historical setting, following Adieu Monsieur Haffmann. The director taps into the long tradition of cinematic adaptations of Victor Hugo’s work, while centering the story on the inner dilemmas of Jean Valjean and Javert.
The film is built around an ensemble cast and a period reconstruction designed to convey the scale of the original story. The costumes are by Pierre-Jean Larroque, the sets by Pierre Quéfféléan, and the cinematography by Denis Rouden.
With its subject matter and scope, Les Misérables speaks to viewers drawn to sweeping historical epics and adaptations of literary classics, in the tradition of Germinal or the Comte de Monte-Cristo.
This new adaptation of Victor Hugo's novel focuses on the showdown between Jean Valjean and Javert, led by Vincent Lindon and Tahar Rahim. The film hits theaters on October 14, 2026.
To extend your in-theater experience, check out the October movie releases, the films to watch right now, and our selection of historical films.
This page may contain AI-assisted elements, more information here.
