Philippe Lacheau’s latest comedy, Marsupilami, has roared to the top of the French box office, exceeding expectations and delivering the strongest opening for a French film in . The film, starring Tarek Boudali, Corentin Guillot, Élodie Fontan, Jamel Debbouze, and Julien Arruti, captivated audiences with nearly 308,000 tickets sold across its opening weekend, including 119,000 on its first day and 189,000 from pre-release screenings.
The strong performance marks a significant win for French cinema, which experienced a challenging . Marsupilami’s debut surpasses that of Alain Chabat’s critically acclaimed 2012 film, Sur la piste du Marsupilami, which drew 251,000 spectators on its opening day. It also eclipses Lacheau’s previous successes, including Alibi.com 2, which opened with 175,000 admissions.
While the film has been met with mixed critical reception, as noted by Le Figaro, it’s clearly resonating with audiences, particularly outside of Paris. In the capital, Marsupilami attracted approximately 1,279 moviegoers across 27 screens. However, when including the surrounding Île-de-France region, the total climbed to 6,640 admissions across 103 screens. Despite this, it still led the box office rankings in Île-de-France on , outpacing new releases like À pied d’œuvre, The Mastermind, and Le Gâteau du président.
The film’s success is particularly noteworthy when compared to recent French releases. Marsupilami’s opening weekend figures dwarf those of Yann Gozlan’s thriller, Gourou, which debuted with 122,000 admissions before ultimately topping the French box office from to with 660,000 tickets sold. Observers predict that Marsupilami could ultimately exceed four million admissions, providing a much-needed boost to the French film industry.
The film’s appeal appears to mirror that of God Save The Tuche in , drawing a strong provincial audience. This suggests a connection with viewers outside of major metropolitan areas, a demographic often underserved by mainstream French cinema.
Marsupilami’s strong start signals a potential shift in the French box office landscape. The film’s success comes at a time when the industry is seeking to revitalize attendance figures and demonstrate the continued viability of French-language comedies. The film’s performance will be closely watched in the coming weeks to determine whether it can maintain its momentum and deliver on its promise of becoming a major box office hit.
The film’s cast includes a familiar ensemble known as “la bande à Fifi,” a group of actors who have previously collaborated on successful comedies. This established rapport and comedic timing likely contribute to the film’s broad appeal. The presence of established stars like Jamel Debbouze and Jean Reno also adds to its draw.
While the film’s critical reception has been lukewarm, the audience response suggests a different story. The film’s lighthearted tone and family-friendly humor appear to be resonating with viewers seeking escapism and entertainment. The success of Marsupilami underscores the enduring popularity of comedic films in the French market and the potential for well-executed, broadly appealing productions to thrive.
