French pandemic drama ‘The Plague’, based on Albert Camus’ novel ‘La Peste’, has been sold to multiple European territories, Variety has learned.
The show has been 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 and immediately topped the ratings. The film has also been selected at the French Drama Festival in Korea, where it will premiere on September 9.
Led 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”).
It follows a disparate group of people as they struggle personally and professionally with a new virus that threatens 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 fighter; and Jean Tarrou (Heldenbergh), Dr.’s enigmatic ally. Rieux.
Showrunner Georges-Marc Benamou and screenwriter Gilles Taurand adapted Camus’ classic 1947 novel and gave it a contemporary setting.
The series was produced by Siècle Productions (“Voltaire in Love”).
“We are excited 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 into new territories feels especially meaningful in our current global context, and we’re excited that viewers will see this modern interpretation of a timeless Albert Camus masterpiece.”