Netflix has confirmed the start of filming for “Ad Vitam Eternam”, the highly anticipated sequel to the successful 2025 action thriller “Ad Vitam”. The recording of the new feature film, which will again feature Guillaume Canet in the lead role, began on August 10, 2026. The new production promises to continue the intense plot of agent Franck Lazareff, who returns to unravel new mysteries.
Franck Lazareff returns for a new mission
The film “Ad Vitam Eternam” takes up the story of Franck Lazareff, a former elite agent who was at the center of a deadly conspiracy in the first title. In the previous plot, his pregnant wife was kidnapped by masked men, leading him to a personal investigation to free her and expose those responsible for the conspiracy. The ending of the first film showed Lazareff being released from prison, after his wife presented evidence that cleared him of trumped-up charges related to his rescue mission.
Full coverage: Latest News (EN)
The official synopsis of the sequence reveals that, shortly after his release, Franck suffers an assassination attempt, which drives him to discover who wants his death. He seeks refuge with his family in the mountains, but is found by the French intelligence services. They offer him a deal: a secret mission in exchange for the truth he seeks so much. This new phase of the narrative delves even deeper into the ramifications of the protagonist’s life and the threats that surround him.
The global impact of the first film on the platform
The original film, “Ad Vitam”, released on January 10, 2025, quickly captured global audiences. The production quickly ranked among Netflix’s ten most-watched non-English films. In its first month available on the platform, the action thriller generated approximately 54 million views, a performance that solidified its popularity and paved the way for the production of the sequel. The global success of the first feature film highlighted the public’s interest in intense and well-developed plots outside the Hollywood circuit, encouraging the continuity of the story.
Renewed team and reinforcements in the cast
For “Ad Vitam Eternam”, the direction is in the hands of Ludovic Colbeau-Justin, known for the box office success “How To Make A Killing”, starring Franck Dubosc. Colbeau-Justin takes over from Rodolphe Lauga, director of the first film, bringing a new vision to the sequel. The script was co-written by Guillaume Canet in partnership with Maxime Chattam, also with the collaboration of David Corona, promising an even more engaging plot.
In addition to the return of Guillaume Canet, the main cast features the return of names such as Stéphane Caillard, Nassim Lyes and Zita Hanrot. To enrich the narrative and bring new dynamics, the production adds renowned figures to the cast, including Nicolas Duvauchelle, Sophie Marceau and Mathieu Amalric. The expansion of the team of actors reinforces the project’s ambition to offer a robust and diverse cinematic experience.
Production in different regions of France
“Ad Vitam Eternam” is a production by Cabanes Productions, a joint company between Guillaume Canet and Jean Cottin. Filming is scheduled to take place in various locations in France, exploring the country’s rich scenery. Among the regions chosen for the recordings are:
- Ile-de-France
- Normandy
- Savoie
- Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
The diversity of locations indicates a large-scale production, which will seek varied scenarios to set the new adventures of Franck Lazareff. The choice of multiple geographic environments is an effort to add visual depth and realism to the story, elements that contributed to the original film’s appeal. The expectation is that the film will bring an even more immersive experience to viewers, consolidating the “Ad Vitam” saga on the platform.