When most people think about the Universal Monsters, their minds usually drift toward Dracula, Frankenstein, and The Wolf Man. However, a much smaller number might bring up The Hunchback of Notre-Dame. (The film does predate the OG monsters by a few years as well, being released in 1923) Yes, Quasimodo was one of the original faces of the Universal Monster era, with Lon Chaney‘s unforgettable portrayal helping define the character for generations. That is, until Disney came along and transformed Hugo’s sorrowful, bleak tale into something a little more suitable for the family living room.
Now, a new adaptation of Victor Hugo‘s classic story is heading to Netflix on November 27, and this one looks ready to bring audiences back to the darker side of the character. The first trailer for The Hunchback, Soul of Paris has arrived, offering a glimpse at what is being described as a much grimmer interpretation of the familiar tale.
Directed by Jean-François Richet, the film stars Vincent Cassel as Quasimodo. The supporting cast includes Karim Leklou, Benjamin Voisin, and Daphné Patakia.
WATCH THE TRAILER FOR The Hunchback, Soul of Paris BELOW
For anyone whose knowledge of the story begins and ends with Disney’s animated musical, Hugo’s original novel is a considerably more tragic affair. Set against the backdrop of 15th-century Paris, the story follows Quasimodo, a physically disfigured man who lives in isolation while serving as the bell-ringer of Notre-Dame Cathedral. His world changes when he becomes captivated by Esmeralda, a young woman whose kindness and beauty stand in stark contrast to the cruelty surrounding him.
Unfortunately, Quasimodo’s feelings are not returned, and Esmeralda finds herself caught in the dangerous obsession of Claude Frollo. What follows is a devastating tale of manipulation, jealousy, injustice, and obsession, culminating in an ending that leaves very little room for a happy farewell. Hugo’s original conclusion is a far cry from the one many audiences grew up watching, and it certainly makes you appreciate just how much Disney softened the material.
Richet has also offered some insight into the historical inspiration behind his interpretation. Speaking with Vanity Fair France, the director discussed the possibility that Quasimodo was inspired by an actual individual rather than being entirely a product of Hugo’s imagination. According to English archivist Adrian Glew, the novelist may have drawn inspiration from a stonemason he encountered. As Richet explained, “According to an English archivist, Adrian Glew, the character is based on a stonemason the novelist supposedly met. So we’re starting from a plausible premise rather than a true story.”
Whether audiences are familiar with Chaney’s classic portrayal, Disney’s animated version, or Hugo’s original novel, this latest adaptation looks ready to remind everyone that Quasimodo’s story was never exactly a fairy tale.
The Hunchback, Soul of Paris arrives on Netflix November 27.
