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Kino Lorber’s MHz Choice has bought “Zorro,” a limited French series starring Oscar winner Jean Dujardin (“The Artist”) in the iconic masked role.
The eight-episode series, sold by France tv distribution, will premiere on June 30 on MHz Choice in the U.S. and Canada.
“Zorro,” which debuted on France 2 before rolling out on Paramount+ in select international territories, is a French reimagining of the classic swashbuckler. The series is set in 1821 Los Angeles, where Don Diego de la Vega unexpectedly becomes mayor of his beloved city of Los Angeles. As the city faces financial problems due to the greed of a local businessman, Don Emmanuel (Eric Elmosnino), Diego decides to call on his alter ego Zorro for a helping hand. Donning the mask for the first time in 20 years, Diego must then reconcile his dual identity as Zorro and mayor, and shield his secret identity from his wife Gabriella (Audrey Dana).
“‘Zorro’ marks the most well-known IP we’ve brought to MHz to date,” said Lance Schwulst, executive VP of content strategy at MHz Choice. “There are a lot of ‘Zorro’ adaptations, but this one really stood out to us as unlike any other we’ve seen. It’s fun, adventurous, sexy and cheeky, and with Jean Dujardin as the man behind the mask, who would say no?”
Producer Marc Dujardin described the show as rooted in classic swashbuckling cinema and French vaudeville traditions. “The result is a delightful blend of spectacular action and romantic comedy,” he said. “Although Zorro is a hero who has always existed at the crossroads of cultures, he was born in the imagination of an American author who loved California.”
“MHz Choice has been a longtime partner of ours and we’re thrilled they will bring this series to North America. We look forward to the launch of Zorro, to which Jean Dujardin brings a French touch to an iconic international IP,” said Julia Schulte, SVP International Sales at France tv distribution and Michelle Palant, International Sales Manager at France tv distribution.
Shot entirely in Spain, “Zorro” was created by Benjamin Charbit (“Gagarine”) and Noé Debré (“Dheepan”), who serve as co-writers alongside Emmanuel Poulain-Arnaud (“The Test”). The series was directed by Jean-Baptiste Saurel (“Parallels”) and Emilie Noblet (“Parliament“). It was co-produced by Paramount+, France Télévisions, Marc Dujardin’s Le Collectif 64 and Julien Seul’s Bien Sûr Productions.
Alongside the series, MHz Choice will also premiere a dedicated “Making Of” special charting the development and reinvention of the property.
MHz Choice, which became part of the Kino Lorber Media Group in 2022, boasts a library including international series such as “Babylon Berlin,” “A French Village,” “The Art of Crime,” “The Killing” and “The Bridge.”
English (US) ·