Paris, Hong Kong and Los Angeles-based All Rights Entertainment has launched international sales for Christopher Hope and the Secret of Napoleon at the Cannes Film Market, with Frankie Muniz and Christopher Lloyd leading the cast of the family adventure feature that is the prequel to a planned trilogy.
The film follows a history student caught up in a race to uncover long-buried secrets hidden by Napoleon in Paris, as he and his best friend and fellow students travel between rival secret societies, tracking clues from centuries past to the present. Producers cite “National Treasure” and “The Da Vinci Code” as references.
Muniz (Malcolm in the Middle) and Lloyd have spent their careers working on some of the most widely known franchises in mainstream cinema, giving the project a layer of cross-generational resonance. Lloyd appeared as Malcolm’s grandfather during the original series’ run. Thomas Lemoine, who recently starred opposite Pierre Lotin in In Custody, will also appear in the upcoming Netflix series The Countess of Monte Cristo, rounding out the lead trio.
The film is directed by Peter Lyons Collister, whose credits as cinematographer and second unit director include Sonic the Hedgehog, Lost City, Transformers, The Amazing Spider-Man and Rush Hour 3. Cinematography was handled by Jorg Widmer, who frequently collaborates with Terrence Malick in The Tree of Life, The Hidden Life, and The Way of the Wind.
Produced by AuldLands Films and Future Vision Ltd. with support from Screen Malta.
“‘Christopher Hope and the Secret of Napoleon’ is conceived as a true family adventure for today’s global audiences: a mystery-driven treasure hunt with historical depth, cinematic scale, and a core of positive emotions,” the producers said. “As the first chapter of a planned trilogy, this film is designed to be enjoyed internationally while inspiring curiosity, courage and a sense of discovery for young audiences.”
