Samuel Goldwyn Films Acquires U.S. Rights to French Epic ‘De Gaulle’
Antonin Baudry’s two-part historical drama about Charles de Gaulle’s wartime rise has been picked up for U.S. release. The €70 million production premiered at Cannes and is shortlisted for France’s Oscar entry. Samuel Goldwyn plans a theatrical launch in late 2026.
The €70 million ($82 million) project, directed by Antonin Baudry, made its debut at Cannes outside the main competition. It also sits among five finalists vying to become France's official Oscar entry for international feature.
Samuel Goldwyn Films has secured U.S. distribution and targets a theatrical release in late 2026. The two-part story traces de Gaulle's rise to prominence as the central figure of the French resistance during WWII.
The U.S. theatrical release could expose mainstream audiences to a nuanced portrayal of a key Allied leader, potentially reshaping popular understanding of France's wartime role. It may also bolster the international profile of French cinema, especially if the film advances in the Oscar race. For history buffs and filmgoers, this acquisition could provide a rare big-screen opportunity to engage with a complex historical legacy.