Guillaume Ivernel’s Animated Adaptation of Patrick Sobral’s Comic Series

The animated feature adaptation of the best-selling French comic series Les Légendaires has secured extensive international distribution following its market premiere at the Unifrance Rendez-Vous in Paris.

Directed by Guillaume Ivernel and written by Antoine Schoumsky, the 3D animated film is produced by Pan-Européenne, Belvision and Maybe Movies. The project was officially announced by Patrick Sobral on February 9, 2020, and was later presented during Cartoon Movie in Bordeaux between March 3 and 5, 2020.

Global Distribution and Market Reach

Goodfellas Animation has announced a series of deals for the feature, which has seen wide acquisition across Europe and other global territories. In Europe, the film has been acquired by the following distributors:

• Wild Bunch Germany for Germany
• The Film Group for Greece
• Cinemundo for Portugal
• Blitz for ex-Yugoslavia
• ProFilms for Bulgaria
• Bonton Films for the Czech Republic
• Garsu Pasaulio Irasai for the Baltics
• M2 for Poland
• Paradise for CIS

Outside of Europe, the film has sold to several international markets, including Sphere Films in Canada, Film House in Israel, Teleview in the Middle East, Les Films 26 in French Speaking Africa, Creative Century in Taiwan, and Film Bridge in Mongolia.

Plot and Source Material

The film is based on the iconic universe created by Patrick Sobral. The original comic series, published by Delcourt, has sold nine million copies across France, Benelux, Switzerland, and Canada.

The narrative is set in the medieval fantasy kingdom of Alysia. It follows five heroes who accidentally break the Stone of Jovenia, an artifact that grants eternal youth, during a conflict with the evil sorcerer Darkhell. The resulting release of power traps the inhabitants of the kingdom in their childhood bodies.

After being discredited and blamed for the accident, the legendary warriors disband and enter hiding. The heroes are forced to reunite when Darkhell returns with a plan to steal the Gamera Tree and enslave the world.

Production and Artistic Direction

The production is described as a large-scale European animation project characterized by high production values and detailed world-building. The visual style aims to balance accessibility with an epic scope, utilizing 3D animation to bring the fantasy landscapes and action sequences to life.

The film’s artistic identity is supported by a lyrical original score designed to enhance both intimate character moments and large-scale battles. The screenplay is intended to respect the spirit of the original comics while expanding the narrative for a cinematic format.

Director’s Background

Director Guillaume Ivernel brings experience from previous computer-animated projects. His credits include the Chinese-French secret agent spy film Spycies, which he directed alongside Zhiyi Zhang and was backed by IQIYI Motion Pictures, as well as the project Dragon Hunter.