The Hunchback, Soul of Paris Trailer Revealed by Netflix

Netflix has released the first trailer for The Hunchback, Soul of Paris (Quasimodo, l’âme de Paris), a new French film starring Vincent Cassel (The Three Musketeers: Milady). Directed by Jean-François Richet, the movie offers a historical reimagining of the origins of one of literature’s most iconic characters, inspired by Victor Hugo’s novel The Hunchback of Notre-Dame.

Set in Paris in 1830, the film follows a story shaped by a cholera epidemic, political turmoil, and a manhunt that puts its protagonist in danger. The plot blends historical drama, romance, and suspense, exploring a different version of Quasimodo’s journey.

The film premieres worldwide on Netflix on November 27, 2026.

Unlike traditional adaptations of Victor Hugo’s The Hunchback of Notre-Dame, The Hunchback, Soul of Paris does not aim to directly retell the original novel. Instead, the story explores a theory about the real-life inspiration behind the character and imagines the events that may have preceded his creation in literature.

The story takes place in Paris on the eve of the July Revolution of 1830. As a cholera epidemic spreads throughout the French capital, a hunchbacked stone sculptor finds himself being hunted by the authorities.

Played by Vincent Cassel, the protagonist is considered a threat by those who believe his physical condition may hold the key to a possible solution to the epidemic. The situation places the character at the center of a conflict involving medical, political, and social interests.

At the same time, he falls in love with a dancer and decides to risk everything to protect her. Their relationship unfolds amid the instability of Paris, where the population faces disease, violence, and growing political unrest.

The production takes a darker, more realistic approach to the character, bringing the story closer to a historical thriller.

Trailer highlights a manhunt and turmoil in Paris

The first trailer introduces a city gripped by fear, with streets overwhelmed by the epidemic and a population increasingly frustrated with the political and social conditions.

The protagonist is portrayed as a marginalized man whose appearance inspires suspicion and hostility. However, his condition attracts the attention of a doctor who believes he may help discover a cure for cholera.

Following this discovery, Quasimodo becomes the target of a manhunt. He must escape the authorities while trying to protect the woman he has fallen in love with.

The promotional footage also highlights Vincent Cassel’s transformation, showing the actor in character as the protagonist. The visual approach emphasizes how this production differs from the best-known adaptations of The Hunchback of Notre-Dame.

Rather than a fantasy adventure centered on Notre-Dame Cathedral, the film focuses on a story of pursuit, romance, and historical conflict.

Vincent Cassel leads the cast

In addition to Vincent Cassel, the cast of Quasimodo: The Soul of Paris includes Karim Leklou, Daphné Patakia, Benjamin Voisin, Noémie Lvovsky, Sébastien Pouderoux, Eli Nachmani, and Alexis Rosenstiehl.

Cassel plays Quasimodo, while Karim Leklou portrays the head of security responsible for pursuing the protagonist. Daphné Patakia plays Benedetta, the dancer Quasimodo falls in love with, and Benjamin Voisin takes on the role of a doctor involved in investigating his condition.

The film is directed by Jean-François Richet, the French filmmaker known for movies such as Mesrine: Killer Instinct and The Emperor of Paris. The screenplay was written by Éric Besnard and Edgar Marie.

The production comes from Radar Films in partnership with Netflix.