Jesse Eisenberg To Play The Famous Mime Marcel Marceau in French Resistance Film

Resistance is a new film project in development that will be based on the true events of Marcel Marceau, a French actor and mime most famous for his stage persona, “Bip The Clown." Marceau became an orphan when his father, a kosher butcher, was killed in Auschwitz. Afterward, he took up the art of miming to bring hope to other orphans who had lost their parents to the Nazis.

According to Variety, "The film will focus on Marceau’s involvement in the French resistance when his country was occupied by the Nazis during World War II."

Marceau was made Grand Officier de la Légion d’Honneur in 1998 and was awarded the National Order Of Merit in France for his work in the resistance. He also won an Emmy along with many other awards.

Resistance is already being compared to the film Life is Beautiful, which is about a man who uses comedy to help his son cope with the Holocaust, which was a hauntingly beautiful Oscar-winning movie.

The role of Marcel Marceau has been given to Jesse Eisenberg, best known for his Oscar-nominated role in The Social Network. He's also starred in films such as Now You See me, Cafe Society, and most recently Batman Vs. Superman. He's a great actor, so there’s no doubt in my mind that Eisenberg won't have any trouble fitting into this role. It seems like perfect casting.

The film will be produced by Claudine Jakubowicz and Carlos Garcia de Paredes and directed by Jonathan Jakubowicz who is best known for his film Hands of Stone. Baptiste Marceau, the mime’s oldest son, has also been closely involved in the development of this project.  

If Resistance turns out to be anything like Life is Beautiful, I suggest you bring a packet of tissues. The film will be shot in early 2018.