Production Begins on Max's First French Period Drama 'Merteuil'

With the launch of Max in France this summer, the streaming service has finally turned its attention to producing original French-language series. If those series cross the pond to become modest hits in America, then so much the better. After all, competitors like Netflix and Prime Video have found success that way with shows like Lupin and Red Queen. 

For its first foray into the world of French drama, what better place to start than with Pierre Choderlos de Laclos’s famous novel Les Liaisons Dangereuses? But, as this is the 21st century, make it a prequel! That’s how we reached the place where production has begun on the new Max Original Series Merteuil, which aims to take the famous story back to its roots by exploring the origins of its most famous character, Madame de Merteuil. 

Since the novel’s original publication in 1782, Les Liaisons Dangereuses has been adapted into many different formats. These include everything from multiple feature films and television programs to a stage production, an opera, and even a ballet. While the short-lived Starz series prequel Dangerous Liaisons is the most recent take on de Laclos’s classic, American audiences are probably most familiar with the 1988 film version, which was nominated* for eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actress, and Best Adapted Screenplay. 

(*It’s also particularly memorable for the fact that star Glenn Close did not win an Oscar for playing the Marquise de Merteuil.)

Here's the series synopsis.

To be the hero of your own story, you sometimes have to be the villain in others’. Marquise de Merteuil, betrayed by Valmont, embarks on a daring journey to become Paris' leading courtesan. Freely adapted from the novel “Les Liaisons Dangereuses” by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos, a thrilling exploration of the price of emotional & sexual freedom -- in a world where women had little.

Anamaria Vartolomei (The Count of Monte-Cristo) stars as Isabelle de Merteuil, alongside Diane Kruger (Swimming with Sharks) as Madame de Rosemonde, Vincent Lacoste (Irma Vep) as the Vicomte de Valmont, and Lucas Bravo (Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris) as the Comte de Gercourt.

"We are delighted to bring to life Merteuil, a series that explores power games, manipulation, and moral dilemmas through complex and fascinating characters," Véra Peltekian, Vice President in charge of original French productions at Max, said in a statement. "This ambitious project allows us to revisit the spirit of Dangerous Liaisons through a modern prism, while retaining the intensity and sophistication that made it a timeless masterpiece."

Jessica Palud (Being Maria) directs the series, which is written by Jean-Baptiste Delafon and produced by NABI Productions and Felicita Films.

Filming is currently underway in France and will continue until December in settings ranging from the cliffs of Normandy to the châteaux of Ile-de-France. Merteuil will stream globally on Max, but does not yet have a formal release date.