Actor Simon Abkarian is portraying Charles de Gaulle in a two-part cinematic saga titled “La Bataille de Gaulle” directed by Antonin Baudry [1, 2].
The project seeks to introduce the story of the historic leader to a new generation while highlighting the sacrifices made by his contemporaries [5, 6]. By offering a fresh reinterpretation, the films aim to move beyond traditional depictions of the general [7].
The saga consists of two films. The first part, “L’Âge de fer,” was released on June 3, 2026 [8]. The second installment, “J’écris ton nom,” is scheduled for release on July 3, 2026 [8]. The first film previously premiered in May 2026 at the Cannes Film Festival [2, 9].
Abkarian, 64, spoke about the physical and psychological demands of the role during appearances on the Club Le Figaro Culture programme and other media outlets [3, 4]. He said that embodying the general required a departure from conventional acting methods. “To play De Gaulle, you have to step outside the norm,” Abkarian said [3].
Regarding the physical transformation, Abkarian chose not to alter certain facial features to maintain authenticity. “To play de Gaulle, I kept my nose,” Abkarian said [2].
Director Antonin Baudry emphasized the emotional depth of the character, focusing on the isolation the leader faced. “We have no idea of the solitude that was that of Charles de Gaulle,” Baudry said [10].
The films are being released nationwide in France following their festival debut [2, 5]. This cinematic approach intends to "dethrone" the static image of the general to present a more human portrait [7].
““To play De Gaulle, you have to step outside the norm,””
The release of 'La Bataille de Gaulle' represents a modern effort to re-examine French national identity through the lens of its most iconic 20th-century leader. By focusing on the psychological solitude and the 'norm-breaking' nature of De Gaulle's personality, the production shifts the narrative from state hagiography to a cinematic character study, attempting to make historical figures relatable to younger audiences in a digital age.
