Who will embody the iconic Johnny Hallyday in Cédric Jimenez’s upcoming biopic? The question has lingered for weeks, especially following Raphaël Quenard’s unexpected departure from the project.
Actor Benjamin Voisin’s name has been persistently linked to the role, though never officially confirmed. When questioned by BFMTV, Voisin dismissed the speculation, stating, “I don’t know what you’re talking about. I saw that there were comments on this, but personally, I don’t know much about it. The press is inflamed, calm the press!”
Lily Rose Depp’s potential involvement as Laeticia Hallyday also remains unconfirmed. StudioCanal has not yet verified reports circulating since 2024.
A Different Face for the Rock Star?
If not Voisin, who possesses the right look to portray the French rock legend? At the Alpe d’Huez Festival, Manu Payet suggested Gérémy Crédeville as a possible fit.
During a recent conversation with Bastien Bouillon while promoting the film On the Job, the actor shared his own casting idea. He was quick to rule himself out: “I won’t take up the torch, that’s for sure. Oh no no, out of the question!”
He then revealed his preferred choice: “There’s someone who has to do it,” he said. “If it is not Victor Meutelet who plays Johnny Hallyday, frankly, big stupidity!”
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Bouillon and Meutelet previously shared the screen in Mr Aznavour, recently released on Netflix, where Meutelet briefly portrayed Johnny Hallyday.
“He Has the Accuracy”
Bouillon continued, “He has an accuracy and above all a peace and tranquility to play a being as powerful and restless as Johnny must have been. Really, hats off to him, I hope he’s in the race. I hope it will be him.”
Victor Meutelet first gained recognition for his role in the TF1 series, Clem, and has since appeared in films like MILF, Le Mensonge, and Les Rascals.
Raphaël Quenard Explains His Exit
Raphaël Quenard recently addressed his departure from the project for the first time, explaining on a television program that “I could not, in the time allotted, with filming starting at the beginning of June, prepare myself with dignity and pay homage to the Napoleonic legend that Johnny is.”
He had previously announced his withdrawal via an Instagram post, citing scheduling conflicts with his co-directorial project MYSTIK and the promotion of American Dream, which was released on February 18. He expressed his best wishes to the film’s team.
Jean-Pascal Zadi, co-starring with Quenard in The American Dream, acknowledged that scheduling conflicts are common in the industry, stating, “It often happens that there are actors who start something, and then who can’t, because the schedule is busy. It’s not a crazy thing, really.”
