'The Artist' Star Bérénice Bejo Replaces Marion Cotillard In 'A Separation' Director Asghar Farhadi's Next Film

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by Kevin Jagernauth
August 23, 2012 1:07 PM
7 Comments

It seems "A Separation" director Asghar Farhadi won't have to sweat it in terms of talent for his next film, and first French-language feature. Earlier this year, it was reported he had rounded up "A Prophet" star Tahar Rahim and the luminous Marion Cotillard to topline his picture, but alas the latter has fallen out, but her replacement is nothing to sneeze at.

"The Artist" star and Oscar nominee Bérénice Bejo has stepped into the role, and that's about all we can tell you about the film. Details are being kept under wraps, except that it's being described as a "social thriller" with the project expected to be completed and ready for next spring, which we presume means Farhadi will be headed back to Cannes to premiere his latest work. No reason has been given for Cotillard's departure, but considering shooting on this begins in October, right at the height of the awards season race, and rehearsals are already underway, our guess is that the actress' commitments to doing press for "Rust and Bone" may have fudged the scheduled. It's a disappointment, but Bejo is worthy replacement.

And certainly, with this cast in place, anticipation will still be very high for Farhadi's film, which follows on the critical and audience acclaim for his Oscar-winning "A Separation." You can place this untitled film high on cinephile lists for 2013. [Allocine]

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More: Asghar Farhadi, Berenice Bejo, Tahar Rahim

7 Comments

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jingmei | August 23, 2012 11:56 PMReply

Allocine is also a source here, that's fucking awesome. Seems there are only two french actresses well known in the states. More or less feel like Tahar Rahim et Marion Cotillard are not quite a match in a film.
mikky | August 23, 2012 10:08 PMReply

I am very happy for Miss Bejo, i think she can do something very good here. She can handle it but i also think when Miss Cotillard is detached from a project like this, it looses a lot of it's appeal.
Sean | August 23, 2012 7:25 PMReply

Cant wait for the film. Big fan of Asghar Farhadi he's really a revelation. I hope the script will be brilliant & I know Berenice Bejo will step up to the challenge. However I would of loved for Marion to be in there for star power :/
Rebecca | August 23, 2012 6:12 PMReply

NOOOOOOOOOOOO.

Whut. Berenice does NOT hold a candle to Marion. I don't even like Marion all that much, but it's like Blake Lively replacing Jennifer Lawrence.

Was there really no better unknown waiting in the wings?
emma | August 23, 2012 3:45 PMReply

it's a disappointment for me, Cotillard is much better as an actress.
Felix | August 23, 2012 3:23 PMReply

Berenice was okay-ish in The Artist...but I've seen her work in France and she's more like Gwenyth Paltrow in a romcom quality. Maybe thats what this film wants?
oogle monster | August 23, 2012 2:55 PMReply

Yes Bejo is talented but is hardly a fitting replacement for Cotillard. Then again, it's hard to replace one of the best and most beautiful actresses on the planet.