France TV, Marathon Studio, Terence Films adapt 1943 ‘superhero’ short story

France Télévisions has ordered a modern adaptation of Marcel Aymé’s 1943 short story Passe-Muraille (The Man Who Walked Through Walls) from Banijay France’s Marathon Studio and Terence Films.

Malika Abdellaoui

Currently in production, the six-part drama follows a 28-year-old wasting away in a dehumanising telemarketing job who discovers he has the ability to walk through walls. But before he even gets to benefit from his ability, he witnesses the murder of his older brother. Forced to set aside his dreams, he must uncover the truth behind his brother’s death, and about himself.

Written by Mathieu Missoffe and Julien Gallet, and directed by Kasia Adamik (Absentia, Kabul), the drama will be distributed internationally by Banijay Rights.

Malika Abdellaoui, founder and producer at Marathon Studio, said: “Our ambition is to anchor this fantastic fable in the present day, while exploring the invisible walls that shape our lives, whether social, professional, or psychological.”

“France Télévisions is the ideal coproduction partner to bring this premium series to a wide audience, and to support Kasia Adamik’s vision as it navigates questions of identity, purpose and control in today’s world.”

Director Adamik, described the short story as featuring “arguably the first superhero in French literature.”

She added: “What drew me to the project is its ability to blend thriller, action and fantasy into a contemporary story.”