Set to premiere on October 28, 2026, 'Moulin' delves into a pivotal and harrowing chapter of World War II history: the arrest of Jean Moulin, the revered leader of the French Resistance, in June 1943. Rather than a comprehensive biopic, the film focuses intensely on Moulin's dramatic face-off with Klaus Barbie, the notorious head of the Gestapo in Lyon.
Director László Nemes, known for his unflinching and immersive approach to historical narratives, returns after his critically acclaimed 2015 feature, 'Son of Saul.' That film, which earned the Grand Prix at the 79th Cannes Film Festival, plunged audiences into the horrors of Auschwitz-Birkenau. With 'Moulin,' Nemes once again tackles a dark and crucial moment in history, exploring Moulin's mission to unify the disparate Resistance networks under General de Gaulle, his subsequent betrayal, and his unwavering resolve under relentless torture.
Taking on the monumental role of Jean Moulin is Gilles Lellouche, an actor celebrated for his diverse performances. Lellouche, who recently garnered success with his second directorial feature 'L'Amour ouf,' spoke candidly at a Cannes press conference about the immense responsibility of portraying such an iconic figure. "It's a kind of stupefaction, because you say to yourself: 'Why me rather than another?' And then, there's this enormous responsibility of carrying on your frail shoulders this illustrious man... To make him live. But what legitimacy do I have to make him live?" he shared, reflecting on the weight of the role. He also praised the collaborative effort, citing the "incredible writing" by Olivier Demangel and Nemes' "absolute demandingness" as crucial to the project's intensity.
Joining Lellouche is German actor Lars Eidinger, who portrays the chilling figure of Klaus Barbie. The film promises a gripping portrayal of courage and resistance in the face of tyranny, highlighting Moulin's indomitable spirit which ultimately galvanized the Resistance movement and ignited a renewed fighting spirit across France. The significant anticipation tracked by AlloCiné underscores the public's eagerness to witness this powerful historical recounting from a director and cast known for their compelling work.
