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.