Sophie Marceau returns to the screen in LOL 2.0, seventeen years after the original film became a cultural touchstone and is offering a rare glimpse into her approach to life and career. The sequel, directed once again by Lisa Azuelos, is slated for release on .
In a recent interview with Le Figaro, Marceau, 55, described a deliberate approach to navigating fame and maintaining a sense of self. She acknowledged the accelerating pace of modern life, stating, “The world is moving faster than us, the machines are moving faster than us. We are quickly overtaken or stranded: less time to think, less time to put things in perspective, less time to gain height.”
Marceau’s approach to managing her public persona is one of measured restraint. She described a need for order and clarity in her life, acknowledging a constant struggle to balance commitments. “There is always a file to deal with. It takes discipline to get everything done. And I like order. Things have to be tidy, everything has to be clear, defined. I’m always in this spiral without really being able to close the valves…”
The actress, who first gained prominence with La Boum, spoke about the enduring appeal of LOL and the organic way the sequel came about. “I took it cool. I never imagined there would be a LOL 2.0. The years passed, the film became ingrained, it took time but it became cult. Lisa Azuelos and I aren’t really friends in life, but I think we’re better than that: soul friends. One and the other, we know we’re walking the same path.” She admitted to initially resisting the project, but ultimately being drawn in by the strength of the script and its exploration of family and intergenerational relationships.
Marceau’s relationship with the media is notably reserved. The interview highlighted the rarity of her appearances on news programs, with Léa Salamé of France 2 noting her infrequent presence in that format. This distance, Marceau seems to cultivate intentionally, allowing her to control the narrative and protect her privacy. She acknowledged the increasing scrutiny of public figures, noting a growing sense of paranoia and a loss of trust.
In LOL 2.0, Marceau reprises her role as Anne, now 55, a character navigating the complexities of motherhood and impending grandmotherhood. She reflected on the universality of the character, stating, “Everyone can identify with it. It’s a bit like me in that all my roles tell me a little bit. I resemble Anne, but I am not her.” She also addressed the societal expectations placed on women, particularly regarding balancing personal and professional life.
Marceau dismissed the notion of striving for a specific image or adhering to a rigid definition of success. “Success, what is it? Who judges? I’ve never been in that perspective. I’ve never had a model or a goal to achieve. I try to understand day by day what suits me, what works for me. To learn a little from my experience. To give meaning to things. I constantly ask myself these two questions: ‘Does this make sense? Is there desire?’ And at the same time, I know that life decides and that This proves unpredictable.”
The interview touched on the challenges of maintaining a career in the face of changing industry standards and societal pressures. Marceau acknowledged the difficulties faced by actresses as they age, noting a period between 55 and 65 where roles become scarce. She also spoke about the importance of setting boundaries and saying “no” to projects that don’t align with her values.
Marceau addressed the issue of paparazzi and the constant intrusion into her personal life. While acknowledging the annoyance, she expressed a pragmatic acceptance of the situation. She noted the increasing tendency for ordinary citizens to photograph and sell images of celebrities, but also emphasized the importance of maintaining a sense of perspective.
Looking ahead, Marceau expressed a desire to explore new projects and embrace new challenges. She revealed that she has been reading scripts and is feeling inspired to return to acting, but also emphasized the need to approach her work with a sense of purpose and enjoyment. “When I work, I like everything, but I find myself saying: ‘What am I doing here?’”
Marceau concluded by reflecting on her upcoming 60th birthday, embracing her “Cheval de feu” (Year of the Fire Horse) year with optimism. She acknowledged the inevitability of aging and mortality, but remained focused on finding meaning and joy in the present moment. “I am Cheval de feu. It’s my year!”
