Louis Peres plays Jean Valjean
Louis Peres is currently portraying Jean Valjean in Les Misérables, a film directed by Fred Cavayé. The role spans multiple decades, requiring Peres to undergo significant physical transformation, including the use of prosthetics and extensive makeup. He shares the role with Vincent Lindon, who takes over as the character ages.Preparation for the role
Peres prepared for the role by reviewing Lindon's filmography and studying Victor Hugo's original text, while avoiding previous adaptations of the story. He also developed a playlist of music to help him embody the character, including soundtracks from Sicario, Gladiator, and Batman, as well as compositions from Hamlet.Early acting experiences
Peres initially discovered his passion for acting during a theater class at age 15, after being invited to perform despite arriving late. He describes the experience as a "real click," which led him to pursue acting more seriously. He built his cinephilia by watching a wide range of films, including Mother! by Darren Aronofsky and The Wolf of Wall Street by Martin Scorsese.Early career roles
He also gained early experience in film through roles in How I Became a Superhero and the series Mental, as well as television appearances in Germinal and Les Sentinelles. In Les Misérables, Peres emphasizes the importance of preparation and avoiding overthinking the magnitude of the role. He notes that the film's production involved a grand spectacle, with hundreds of extras and a recreated historical setting.Upcoming projects
Peres is currently working on several other projects, including Peau d'homme, a musical comedy directed by Léa Domenach, where he plays a military commander about to marry a princess. He also stars in Fantômas, a noir film set in the early 20th century, opposite Ana Girardot and Romain Duris. Additionally, he is involved in Nachav, a dramatic comedy set in the suburbs of Grenoble, and De l'autre côté de l'été, which will reunite him with Agnès Jaoui and Denis Podalydès.Career outlook
Despite the opportunities these projects present, Peres remains cautious about the future of his career, preferring to focus on the work itself rather than on visibility or certainty. He expresses satisfaction with his current path but remains open to how the public will receive his performances.
