Depardieu Resurfaces on Film Set Amidst Legal Storm, Directed by Fanny Ardant
Gerard Depardieu, embroiled in a tumultuous legal battle, has returned to the world of cinema. He is currently filming "Elle regardait sans plus rien voir," a drama directed by Fanny Ardant, in the picturesque Azores archipelago of Portugal. Ardant, who previously starred alongside Depardieu in "Les Volets verts" (released in 2022), is steering the actor through this challenging period.
Photos published by the magazine "Voici" on Friday, May 2nd, depict the 76-year-old actor appearing cheerful, wearing a white shirt in some shots and shirtless in others, alongside Ardant and the film crew. This project marks Ardant’s sixth feature film as a director, showcasing her continued commitment to storytelling from behind the camera.
The film, according to Ana Pinhao Moura, the Portuguese producer, is a love story centered around two women who find themselves on a mysterious island. Speaking to AFP, Moura revealed that Depardieu plays the role of "the magician of the island," a cryptic figure who acts as a connector between the other characters.
Adding to the visual confirmation of the production, the Facebook page "Facts Azores," a platform dedicated to local tourism, posted a photograph on March 17th, 2025, showing Depardieu and the film crew during a script reading session. Moura has assured BFMTV that "filming is going well" and told AFP that it is expected to wrap up next week.
While Depardieu is the most recognizable name in the cast, the remainder is composed entirely of Portuguese actors, including Ricardo Pereira, Ana Padrao, and Victoria Guerra. This blend of international star power and local talent highlights the project’s cross-cultural appeal.
However, this return to acting unfolds against a backdrop of intense legal scrutiny for Depardieu. Just recently, on March 27th, the actor stood trial in Paris on charges of alleged sexual assault that occurred during the filming of "Les Volets verts," his previous on-screen appearance. The prosecution has requested an 18-month suspended prison sentence, a fine of 20,000 euros, mandatory therapy, and inclusion in a registry for sex offenders. The verdict in this case is scheduled to be delivered on May 13th.
The legal troubles don’t end there. Depardieu was formally charged in December 2020 following a rape complaint filed by actress Charlotte Arnould. Furthermore, over the past few years, over a dozen other women have come forward with accusations of sexual assault against the actor, their testimonies widely reported in the media.
During his March 2025 hearing, Depardieu acknowledged that he had "not filmed in three years," adding that this absence was not "solely" due to the accusations, though he refrained from elaborating on any other potential reasons. This statement hints at a complex situation, where the accusations undoubtedly played a role but may not have been the only factor keeping him off screen.
Notably, Fanny Ardant, now directing Depardieu on location in Portugal, publicly defended him during the trial. In her testimony, she stated, "Every form of genius carries something extravagant, rebellious, dangerous." She added, "He is both the monster and the saint."
Ardant firmly rejected what she described as a climate of fear within the film industry. She concluded her statement by saying, "If I didn’t come to defend my friend, I would regret my cowardice for the rest of my life. I only believe in extending a hand, in forgiveness, in friendship, and in love." When questioned by the court about any specific incidents she might have witnessed, Ardant responded that she had "never seen any shocking behavior" on set.
Her unwavering support for Depardieu has drawn both praise and criticism. Supporters applaud her loyalty and commitment to artistic freedom, arguing that condemning an artist based solely on allegations can stifle creativity and due process. Critics, on the other hand, question her judgment, suggesting that her defense of Depardieu is insensitive to the alleged victims and perpetuates a culture of impunity.
The production of "Elle regardait sans plus rien voir" is therefore more than just a film shoot. It is a symbol of the ongoing debate surrounding the balance between artistic expression, personal responsibility, and the presumption of innocence. The film’s release will undoubtedly be met with intense scrutiny and discussion, adding another layer of complexity to the already controversial situation. The fact that Ardant, a staunch defender of Depardieu, is at the helm further amplifies the significance of this project and ensures that it will be closely watched by the public and the industry alike.
The final verdict of the trial in Paris will also significantly influence the public perception of Depardieu and, by extension, the film. A guilty verdict could further tarnish his reputation and potentially impact the film’s reception. Conversely, an acquittal could be seen as a vindication, allowing him to move forward and potentially rehabilitate his image. Regardless of the outcome, "Elle regardait sans plus rien voir" will forever be associated with this period of intense legal and social scrutiny in Depardieu’s life.
