5 Films That Will Reveal the Stars of Tomorrow

© Le gang des amazones - La petite dernière - Urchin

What if we gave you the chance to say that famous line, “I told you so” ? Just like Adèle Exarchopoulos in Blue Is the Warmest Color, Sophie Marceau in La Boum, or Leonardo DiCaprio in Titanic, some actors have seen their lives change overnight thanks to one breakout role that propelled them to true movie stardom. If you’re anything like the Do It Team, you love discovering rising stars before everyone else, watching them bloom on the big screen and later on the red carpets of the world’s most prestigious festivals. We’ve rounded up the most anticipated upcoming films likely to reveal the next big names in French cinema. Place your bets !

© Nadia Melliti par Lucas Sellier

The film : The new little gem directed by Hafsia Herzi – as talented behind the camera as she is on screen – follows Fatima, the youngest child of a loving suburban family. At 17, she discovers a whole new world of possibilities when she moves to Paris to study philosophy. This new life in the capital marks both her emancipation from her protective family cocoon and the beginning of her awakening to desire and independence. As she navigates this new chapter, she begins to question who she truly is, and what kind of woman she wants to become.

The breakout : Discovered in the streets of Paris, Nadia Melliti – until recently a sports science student with no acting or theater background – makes her debut in this role. And her career couldn’t have started better: she already won the Best Actress Award at the Cannes Film Festival last May, giving her massive visibility both in France and abroad. Her story is inspiring, but her undeniable talent, described by critics as “of rare authenticity”, will undoubtedly keep her in the spotlight for years to come.

La Petite Dernière, directed by Hafsia Herzi. In theaters October 22.

© Mallory Wanecque

The film : Set in Avignon during the 1990s and inspired by a true story, this film follows the journey of five young women who decide to take matters into their own hands and carry out a series of bank robberies to stay afloat financially. More than a simple heist, their project starts as a true survival plan. The adrenaline rush and the feeling that anything is possible push them to act again and again across the region. Between social inequalities, high-stakes tension, media frenzy, and courtroom drama, all the ingredients are here for a movie that will leave a mark. What we love most: these modern-day Amazons reclaiming the traditionally male role of the robber.

The breakout : If you missed Mallory Wanecque in L’Amour Ouf, you won’t be able to ignore her after Le Gang des Amazones. After sharing the screen with Alain Chabat, Adèle Exarchopoulos, and François Civil, she continues to build an impressive résumé by now starring alongside Lyna Khoudri and Laura Felpin. Already dubbed by the press as an actress to watch, this new role could allow her to showcase the full range of her talent, from emotional depth to tension, even a touch of dark humor.

Le Gang des Amazones, directed by Mélissa Drigeard. In theaters November 12.

© Megan Northam par Marie Rouge

The film : Who didn’t fall for Harris Dickinson last year after seeing him charm Nicole Kidman in Baby Girl ? This year, the British actor takes on a new challenge : directing. With his debut feature Urchin, Dickinson proves that his talent extends behind the camera. Through a delicate and sensitive approach, the filmmaker tells the story of Mike, a homeless man in London, played by Frank Dillane, trying to reintegrate into society after his release from prison. The result : a Cannes selection, a Grand Prize at the Biarritz Film Festival, and a socially charged, emotionally resonant portrait that manages to remain empathetic without ever becoming sentimental.

The breakout : While Frank Dillane is sure to deliver a deeply nuanced performance as the ex-convict, all eyes are on Megan Northam, the Franco-British actress who brings warmth and brilliance to the film as Andrea, a woman who helps Mike rediscover love and hope. Her vibrant energy adds a necessary lightness to an otherwise heavy narrative. Already known to French audiences for her roles in Cédric Klapisch’s Greek Salad and the film Rabia, this project could earn her the international recognition she deserves, and lay the foundation for a promising career.

Urchin, directed by Harris Dickinson. In theaters February 11, 2026.

© Julien de Saint Jean par Jérôme Prébois

The film : French literary classics are having a moment on the big screen. After the success of Le Comte de Monte Cristo and Les Trois Mousquetaires, it’s now Gaston Leroux’s The Phantom of the Opera that gets a lavish cinematic adaptation. The film takes a few creative liberties, blending thriller, romance, and period drama. Set in the breathtaking backdrop of the Opéra Garnier and featuring a stellar cast, it follows Anastasia, a gifted young ballerina played by Deva Cassel, who’s trying to make a name for herself in the demanding world of opera. But her plans are thrown off course when she encounters the mysterious Phantom haunting the opera’s underground, played by Julien de Saint Jean. Completing the cast, Romain Duris steps into the role of the director staging the opera Orphée by Ernest Dupré. We can’t wait !

The breakout : With an ambitious budget of nearly € 20 million, this film promises to shine a massive spotlight on its two young leads. Julien de Saint Jean, known for his roles in auteur films, returns to a period costume just a year after appearing in The Count of Monte Cristo. His piercing gaze and mysterious aura continue to captivate the audience, and this new project could be the perfect chance to prove he can handle both indie cinema and large-scale productions. Julien as the iconic Phantom haunting Paris’s most majestic opera house ? Expect an unforgettable performance, and a growing obsession with this prodigious actor.
At his side, Deva Cassel, daughter of Monica Bellucci and Vincent Cassel, marks her very first leading role on the big screen. Already a familiar face in fashion and film circles, this is her golden opportunity to establish herself as a true actress, and silence any doubters about “nepo babies.”

Le Fantôme de l’Opéra, directed by Alexandre Castagnetti.In theaters Fall 2026.

© Marie Colomb par Julien Mignot

The film : Director Fred Cavayé is bringing a new and highly anticipated adaptation of Victor Hugo’s legendary Les Misérables to life, one of the most awaited releases of 2026. To tackle such a monumental work, Cavayé surrounds himself with a dream team of French cinema heavyweights : Camille Cottin (Madame Thénardier), Tahar Rahim (Inspector Javert), Vincent Lindon (Jean Valjean), Noémie Merlant (Fantine), Vassili Schneider (Marius), and Benjamin Lavernhe (Monsieur Thénardier).
We follow Jean Valjean, a former convict who escapes after serving 19 years for stealing bread. Set in a revolutionary and tumultuous Paris, the story intertwines justice, social struggle, love, and freedom as Valjean tries to rebuild his life and help Fantine and Cosette.

The breakout : Among this five-star cast, several young actors could see their careers skyrocket. First, Marie Colomb, outstanding as Loana in Prime Video’s Culte, takes on a new challenge by leaping into a historical role for the first time in order to play Éponine, the Thénardiers’ daughter. Her angelic features and emotional depth make her one to watch.
Alongside her, Sayyid El Alami (Oussekine, Their Children After Them, La Pampa) brings intensity, determination, and expressive power that are bound to win over audiences and critics alike.
And the cherry on top : Megan Northam, mentioned earlier, returns as adult Cosette. We told you : the stars of tomorrow are all in this list !

Les Misérables, directed by Fred Cavayé. In theaters Fall 2026.

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