AMC Acquires French Pandemic Drama ‘The Plague’ for Portugal, Spain
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September 12th, 2024
​French pandemic drama “The Plague,” based on Albert Camus’ novel “La Peste,” has sold to multiple European territories, Variety has learned.
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The show has sold to AMC Networks International Southern Europe where it will launch on SundanceTV in Spain and AMC in Portugal while Proximus has acquired the show for Belgium. It premiered in France on France 2 in March, immediately toping the ratings. It has also been selected at the French Drama Festival in Korea, where it will premiere on Sept. 9.
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Helmed by “Call My Agent” director Antoine Garceau, the four-part series stars Frédéric Pierrot (“In Treatment”), Hugo Becker (“Gossip Girl”), Sofia Essaïdi (“Women at War”), Judith Chemla (“Of Money and Blood”) and Johan Heldenbergh (“Alabama Monroe”).
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It follows a disparate group of people who find themselves grappling personally and professionally with a new virus threatening the planet. Among them is Dr Rieux (Pierrot), a rebel hero who risks his life to fight the disease; Sylvain Rambert (Becker), a journalist torn between love and duty; whistleblower Laurence Molinier (Essaïdi); Lucie Ferrieres (Chemla), a pianist and figher; and Jean Tarrou (Heldenbergh), Dr Rieux’s enigmatic ally.
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Showrunner Georges-Marc Benamou and screenwriter Gilles Taurand adapted Camus’ 1947 classic novel, updating it with a contemporary setting.
The series was produced by Siècle Productions (“Voltaire in Love”).
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“We are delighted to see ‘The Plague’ expanding its reach across Europe,” said Katia Sol, co-founder of Oble. “Albert Camus’ timeless work carries profound messages and universal themes of resilience, sacrifice, and humanity that resonate with audiences today more than ever. Bringing this modern adaptation to new territories feels especially meaningful in our current global context, and we’re excited that viewers will watch this modern interpretation of a timeless Albert Camus masterpiece.”
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Related articles: Variety, Senal News