When people look back at the Universal Monsters, they immediately think of figures like Dracula, Frankenstein’s Monster, and The Mummy. There’s a number of other figures who are tangentially connected to that roster of characters, though they don’t always receive the same amount of attention. For example, in 1923 Universal Pictures released The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and while it isn’t an outright horror movie, the fact that it features a character who at least appears monstrous means many consider the film to be a predecessor to the Universal Monsters.
Even though that early cinematic take on the character and other interpretations of the story by Victor Hugo lean more lighthearted, such as Disney‘s musical take on the story, there’s an inherent darkness that comes along with the concept. In the upcoming The Hunchback, Soul of Paris for Netflix, filmmaker Jean-François Richet aims to more fully lean into the macabre components of the story. The first images from the movie have been revealed, which you can see below.
In the original story, Quasimodo, the disfigured, reclusive bell-ringer of Notre-Dame Cathedral harbors a romantic obsession for Esmeralda, a street performer. The performer earns the attention of a number of men, some of whom are willing to go to deadly lengths if she refuses their admiration.
Speaking to Vanity Fair France, Richet explained that his take on the material is somewhat inspired by real figures. He explained, “According to an English archivist, Adrian Glew, the character is based on a stonemason the novelist supposedly met. So we’re starting from a plausible premise rather than a true story.”
One key difference with this story, is that characters are seeking Quasimodo in hopes of conducting experiments on him. Vincent Cassel stars as Quasimodo, with Richet noting how quickly he boarded the project:
“I had to find an actor very quickly, almost over the weekend. So I called him on Friday evening, specifying that I needed an answer by the following Monday. He read the script and found it promising.”
Also starring in the movie are Karim Leklou, Benjamin Voisin, and Daphné Patakia.
The Hunchback, Soul of Paris is expected to hit Netflix on November 27.
Are you looking forward to this new adaptation? Let us know in the comments below!
