HBO has finally revealed the release date for Irma Vep. The limited series stars Alicia Vikander in the lead role and is based on the 1996 film of the same name by Olivier Assayas. The project is set to have its world premiere as an Official Selection at the Cannes Film Festival. Thereafter, it will head to HBO for its television debut on June 6th at 9 PM. The series will also be available to stream on HBO Max.
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The network’s announcement was accompanied by a few first-look photos from the series, featuring Alicia Vikander as the titular character. Much like the film’s actress, Maggie Cheung, the Oscar winner is seen wearing a catsuit as she sneaks over rooftops. While the outfit was a core part of Cheung’s character and objectification, the new version doesn’t have the same vibe. The outfit looks more velvet instead of leather/spandex and is more reflective of the suit worn by the actress who portrayed Irma Vep in the original Les Vampires.
The HBO series is also written and directed by Assayas and is set against the backdrop of a lurid crime thriller. The story follows an American movie star named Mira (Alicia Vikander) who becomes disillusioned by her career and a recent breakup. Determined to alter her image and shake off the tabloid scandal, she travels to France to star as Irma Vep in a reboot of a classic silent French film called Les Vampires. But as time goes by, the line between reality and fiction starts to get blurry as Mira struggles to distinguish between her real self and the character she’s playing.
As such, Irma Vep reveals the uncertain ground that exists at the edge of fiction and reality, artifice and authenticity, art and life. The series is produced in partnership with A24, with Olivier Assayas and Alicia Vikander executive producing. Other folks handling producing duties are Sylvie Barthet, Daniel Delume, Ravi Nandan, Hallie Sekoff, Kevin Turen, Stuart Manashil, Sam Levinson, Ashley Levinson, reports Deadline.
The HBO series also features a stellar supporting cast. Appearing alongside Alicia Vikander is Vincent Macaigne as René Vidal, Jeanne Balibar as Zoe, Devon Ross as Regina, and Lars Eidinger as Gottfried. Other actors set to star include Vincent Lacoste as Edmond Lagrange, Nora Hamzawi as Carla, Adria Arjona as Laurie, Carrie Brownstein as Zelda, Tom Sturridge as Eamonn, Byron Bowers as Herman.
Fala Chen, Hippolyte Girardot, Alex Descas, and Antoine Reinartz also star. Interestingly, Irma Vep will also see Kristen Stewart reunite with Olivier Assayas. In a recent interview with the New Yorker, the actress revealed she has a small role in the Alicia Vikander-led project. Her character remains undisclosed at this time.
Meanwhile, Alicia Vikander is set to lead a few more upcoming projects. This includes the historical drama Firebrand, where she will star opposite Jude Law. The 33-year-old actress will also star in Tomb Raider: Obsidian – the sequel to her 2018 blockbuster. The release dates for both these projects are unknown at this time.
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