Netflix has announced the start of principal photography on a sequel to 2025 action thriller Ad Vitam, starring Guillaume Canet.
Working titled Ad Vitam Eternam, the new film sees Canet return in the role of ex-elite agent Franck Lazareff who spent the first instalment investigating a deadly conspiracy plot after his pregnant wife was kidnapped by masked men.
Ad Vitam Eternam will pick up from the ending of Ad Vitam in which Canet’s character was released from jail in the final scene after his wife presents evidence clearing his name of trumped up charges related to his personal mission to free her and uncover the instigators of the plot.
The synopsis reads: “After surviving an assassination attempt upon his release from prison, Franck sets out to find out who wants him dead. He goes to hide away with his family in the mountains. But French intelligence services track him down and offer him a deal: a covert mission in exchange for the truth Franck is seeking.”
Ludovic Colbeau-Justin, who enjoyed success with box office language breakout How To Make A Killing starring Franck Dubosc, takes over the director’s seat from Rodolphe Lauga who shot the first film.
Canet co-wrote the screenplay with Maxime Chattam with the collaboration of David Corona.
Further cast returnees include Stéphane Caillard, Nassim Lyes, Zita Hanrot alongside fresh additions Nicolas Duvauchelle, Sophie Marceau and Mathieu Amalric.
The film is produced by Cabanes Productions, Canet’s joint company with Jean Cottin. It will shoot in the Ile-de-France, Normandy, Savoie and Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur.
Released on January 10, 2025, Ad Vitam broke into Netflix’s top ten for non-English language films, generating some 54 million views, within the first month of its availability on the platform.
