The first look at Philippe Lacheau’s Marsupilami film, with a trailer recently previewed in Pathé cinemas, has already begun to stir debate. As is often the case with the director-actor, reactions are anticipated to be divided.
Lacheau is recognized for his effective buddy comedies, though they frequently draw criticism for their light tone. Despite this, it would be unfair to overlook his strong sense of comedic timing and rhythm. His previous adaptation, City Hunter and Cupid’s Perfume, demonstrated his ability to blend popular humor with a sincere tribute to Japanese pop culture.
While Lacheau’s films often feature recurring clichés and recycled gags, his comedic trio with Julien Arruti and Tarek Boudali remains consistently effective. This ensemble is one of the most identifiable comedic signatures in contemporary French cinema.
With Marsupilami, Lacheau takes on a monumental Franco-Belgian comic book property, which Alain Chabat previously adapted in 2012. The involvement of Jamel Debbouze is intriguing, but questions persist regarding whether this new film will connect to Chabat’s version or stand as an independent reinterpretation. The trailer currently keeps this a mystery.
Visually, the special effects for the famous Palombian animal are struggling to impress. The digital rendering of the Marsupilami appears to fall short of current industry standards, lacking both naturalness and fluidity. This is particularly regrettable, given that the creature itself is a primary draw of the project.
Additionally, the trailer notably focuses on the comedic gags from Lacheau’s regular trio, leaving the Marsupilami itself surprisingly in the background. Philippe Lacheau undeniably possesses a talent for orchestrating slapstick comedy, as exemplified by the delightfully absurd Alibi.com 2.
However, when Lacheau ventures into more thematic universes—whether superheroes in Super-héros malgré lui, manga with City Hunter, or now a cult comic with Marsupilami—his signature light tone sometimes compromises the overall coherence of the narrative. The risk is that this iconic jungle creature could become little more than a backdrop for another buddy adventure.
It remains to be seen if Lacheau’s Marsupilami will successfully balance homage, humor, and respect for the foundational myth. As its release approaches, curiosity lingers, but so does a degree of caution.