Paris-based Haut et Court and London-based Good Chaos have acquired the film rights to Paris-Hollywood, a romantic comedy novel by French film critic Cécile Mury. Set for publication in April 2025 by Flammarion, the book follows the love story between a French journalist and an English-speaking movie star, blending cultures through romance, humor, and self-discovery.
A Bidding War for a Love Story
Presented at the Frankfurt Book Fair, Paris-Hollywood drew interest from numerous European producers, with translation rights selling in six territories. Haut et Court and Good Chaos ultimately secured the adaptation rights, showcasing their vision for the project. The novel’s mix of cinematic glamour, cross-cultural dynamics, and witty humor positions it for success among modern rom-com fans.
A ‘Je Ne Sais Quoi’ Approach to Rom-Coms
Caroline Benjo, Co-CEO of Haut et Court, expressed excitement for the adaptation:
“We are absolutely thrilled to have teamed up with Good Chaos to bring to the screen this delightful rom-com that plays so much on the genre but with a ‘je ne sais quoi et presque rien.’ We jumped on the rights as soon as we read the book.”
The film seeks to merge French authenticity with British-American cinematic appeal to create a sophisticated and emotionally engaging rom-com. Mike Goodridge, CEO of Good Chaos, praised the novel’s deep exploration of love:
“It’s a charming and winning read that digs intelligently into the nature of love and the limits we put on ourselves before falling in love.”
The Production Teams Behind the Film
Both Haut et Court and Good Chaos boast a strong track record of producing critically acclaimed films:
- Haut et Court has produced films like The Class (Palme d’Or winner, 2008) and The Lobster (Jury Prize, Cannes 2015), with upcoming projects like Sukkwan Island (Sundance 2025) and Case 137.
- Good Chaos worked on Triangle of Sadness (Palme d’Or 2022) and Quo Vadis, Aida?, and is finalizing The Ballad of a Small Player, starring Colin Farrell and Tilda Swinton.
Their expertise suggests that Paris-Hollywood could translate into a compelling international film.
Challenges of a Cross-Cultural Romance Film
Rom-coms rely heavily on cultural nuances, and Paris-Hollywood presents an opportunity to explore French and Anglo-American relationship dynamics. Striking the right balance between authenticity and accessibility will be critical.
Films like Emily in Paris have faced criticism for exaggerating stereotypes, while Midnight in Paris successfully embraced the romantic allure of France. Casting will also play a vital role—finding the ideal leads to embody the characters could elevate the film beyond standard rom-com fare.
Why This Rom-Com Has Global Appeal
Despite its European origins, the story’s themes of love, ambition, and self-discovery make it a strong candidate for international success. Recent box-office hits and critically acclaimed films have revived interest in sophisticated romantic comedies.
Movies like Before Sunrise and Notting Hill have proven that cross-cultural romances can captivate audiences worldwide. If executed well, Paris-Hollywood could continue this tradition while offering a fresh perspective.
Final Thoughts
As production moves forward, Paris-Hollywood has the potential to become a standout romantic comedy, challenging traditional rom-com formulas while delivering a witty and heartfelt story. If successful, it could join the ranks of celebrated international love stories.
But the ultimate question remains: will the movie adaptation live up to the novel’s growing buzz? Only time will tell.
Source: Hollywood Reporter