Actor Simon Abkarian portrays Général Charles de Gaulle in the historical super-production "La Bataille de Gaulle : l'Âge de fer" [1].
The film seeks to dramatize the general's role in France's struggle for liberty. By revisiting this era, the production aims to present de Gaulle as an exemplar for contemporary audiences [2, 3].
The first chapter of the film, titled "L'Âge de fer," was presented at the Cannes Film Festival on May 20, 2026 [1, 4]. Directed by Antonin Baudry, the project is described as a blockbuster intended to revive the legacy of one of France's most pivotal leaders [2].
Abkarian spoke about the psychological intensity of the role during a recent interview with Jean‑Christophe Buisson for Le Club Le Figaro Culture. He noted that the character's presence lingers long after the cameras stop rolling. "Après avoir incarné de Gaulle, on ne sort pas du personnage, on ne s’en débarrasse pas," Abkarian said [5].
The actor also touched upon the physical requirements of the role. While some actors rely heavily on prosthetics to mimic the general's distinct profile, Abkarian took a different approach. "Pour jouer de Gaulle, j’ai gardé mon nez," Abkarian said [3].
Beyond the cinematic performance, Abkarian emphasized the ongoing relevance of the historical narrative. He suggested that the lessons and stories from de Gaulle's life remain an open conversation. "Il est important de redire que cette histoire‑là n’est pas finie," Abkarian said [2].
The production has been praised for capturing the stature of the leader, with critics noting that Abkarian embodies the grandeur associated with the general [6].
“"Après avoir incarné de Gaulle, on ne sort pas du personnage, on ne s’en débarrasse pas."”
The release of this production at a prestigious venue like Cannes suggests a renewed cultural interest in utilizing historical figures to address modern civic identity. By focusing on the 'Iron Age' of de Gaulle, the film positions the general not just as a historical relic, but as a symbol of resilience and leadership intended to resonate with current political and social climates in France.
