Irma Vep: Alicia Vikander and Olivier Assayas team up for HBO series
David Farnor | On 17, Dec 2020
Alicia Vikander and Olivier Assayas are teaming up for a remake of Assayas’ film of the same name.
Irma Vep is a limited series written and directed by Assayas and starring and executive produced by Vikander. Loosely based on the 1996 movie, it will follow Mira (Vikander), an American movie star disillusioned by her career and a recent breakup, who comes to France to star as Irma Vep in a remake of the French silent film classic Les Vampires. Set against the backdrop of a lurid crime thriller, Mira struggles as the distinctions between herself and the character she plays begin to blur and merge. Irma Vep reveals to us the uncertain ground that lies at the border of fiction and reality, artifice and authenticity, art and life.
A24 is producing the limited series along with Kevin Turen and Sam Levinson.
“When the opportunity arose to partner with Alicia and Olivier we jumped at the chance,” said Francesca Orsi, Executive Vice President, HBO Programming. “Olivier is a master at weaving unique narratives imbued with levity and drama and Alicia is one of the most versatile, celebrated actors of our time. They have an undeniable, distinct vision for the reimagining of Olivier’s cult classic film, and we can’t wait to tell it with them.”
“I have been a long-time admirer of Olivier and his work,” said Vikander. “I am very excited for us to work together, and to be a part of the expanded universe of his superb cult classic, Irma Vep. There are a lot of brilliant people coming together and I am delighted to be partnering with HBO and A24 on this special project.”
“This is a comedy that will try and catch the zeitgeist the same way the original Irma Vep did, in a very different world, a very different era, that right now feels light years away,” added Assayas.
The series continues the partnership between HBO and A24, whose recent collaborations include Euphoria, starring Zendaya. Expect it to arrive on Sky Atlantic in the UK.