Guillaume Canet returns for Netflix Ad Vitam sequel
Developed over time first seen 2 months ago
Netflix has begun principal photography on a sequel to its hit 2025 French thriller Ad Vitam, with Guillaume Canet returning as former elite agent Franck Lazareff. Working titled Ad Vitam Eternam, the film picks up directly from the first instalment's ending, in which Lazareff was freed from prison after his wife produced evidence clearing him of trumped-up charges linked to his hunt for those who had kidnapped her. The project reflects Netflix's confidence in the franchise following the original's strong performance as a non-English-language title on the platform.
The new instalment's synopsis reveals Lazareff survives an assassination attempt shortly after his release, retreats into hiding with his family in the mountains, and is then tracked down by French intelligence services, who offer him a covert mission in exchange for the truth he is still seeking. Ludovic Colbeau-Justin, known for the box-office success How To Make A Killing, directs in place of original filmmaker Rodolphe Lauga, with Canet co-writing the script alongside Maxime Chattam. Returning cast members Stéphane Caillard, Nassim Lyes and Zita Hanrot are joined by newcomers Nicolas Duvauchelle, Sophie Marceau and Mathieu Amalric, with filming taking place across Ile-de-France, Normandy, Savoie and Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur. The original Ad Vitam, released in January 2025, drew around 54 million views within its first month, placing it among Netflix's top ten non-English-language films.
- Netflix begins filming Ad Vitam sequel with Guillaume Canet returning
- New director Ludovic Colbeau-Justin replaces Rodolphe Lauga this time
- Original 2025 film drew 54 million views on Netflix
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Netflix's 2025 French thriller Ad Vitam followed Franck Lazareff, a former elite intelligence agent wrongly accused of a crime, played by well-known French actor and director Guillaume Canet. The film proved a major hit for Netflix among its non-English-language titles, drawing tens of millions of views shortly after release and ending on a cliffhanger that left the door open for more story.
Netflix has now begun making a sequel, working-titled Ad Vitam Eternam, with Canet reprising his role and several other original cast members returning alongside newly added stars. A new director has taken over behind the camera, while Canet has also helped write the script, and filming is under way in France.
The project matters chiefly because it shows Netflix continuing to back non-English productions that perform well internationally, rather than relying solely on English-language originals. It also continues a story about intelligence agencies, hidden truths and a family trying to stay safe, themes that were central to the first film.
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Originally published by Deadline as “Netflix Reunites With Guillaume Canet On Sequel To Hit-Action Thriller ‘Ad Vitam’”.