Look down, there's a Jean Valjean prequel film coming

The part of Valjean’s story that sees him turn from Prisoner 24601 into Monsieur le Maire—a transformation that occurs within eight or so minutes in the stage show—is getting the big screen treatment from French director Éric Besnard (Delicieux). Per Variety, Valjean will specifically track the time immediately after the protagonist gains parole in which he turns from “a hardened criminal to a good man and a hero after his pivotal encounter with a benevolent bishop.” In the story, the Bishop gifts Valjean a pair of silver candlesticks he intended to rob as an act of charity. “This act of kindness by the bishop is a turning point for Jean Valjean, as it shows him that there is still good in the world. He begins to question his own choices and starts to see that there is another path for him,” said producer Sabine Chemaly. “The film follows the steps that lead to Jean Valjean to become the man he was always meant to be, a good man who wants to help others.”

Valjean began filming today in Southern France on a budget of €7 million. It stars Gregory Gadebois as Valjean, with Bernard Campan, Isabelle Carré, and Alexandra Lamy as support. (No Hugh Jackman this time, sorry folks.) One day soon, we’ll (hopefully) hear the people singing its praises.