'Lady Liberty' About the Origins of Iconic Statue in the Works in France

Variety

by elskes

February 20, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Christian Duguay, known for directing crowd-pleasing films like *Jappeloup* and *A Bag of Marbles*, is set to helm *Lady Liberty*, a historical feature exploring the creation of the iconic Statue of Liberty. Produced by the teams behind *The Intouchables* and *CODA*, the film will delve into the visionary collaboration between artist Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, lawyer Édouard de Laboulaye, and engineer Gustave Eiffel. The story follows their audacious project to create a monumental symbol of Franco-American friendship, tracing its challenges and evolution from concept to completion. Set against the backdrop of 19th-century France, *Lady Liberty* focuses on the unlikely friendship between Bartholdi, a visionary artist, and Laboulaye, a politically-minded lawyer. Their shared ideals and determination to realize this ambitious project amidst financial struggles, technical hurdles, and skepticism from critics are central to the narrative. The film highlights how their collaboration transformed a gesture of fraternity into one of history’s most enduring symbols of liberty. The production is backed by Quad Cinéma and Gemma Pictures, known for hits like *Intouchables* and *CODA*. Duguay’s expertise in crafting compelling, commercially successful films makes him an ideal fit to bring this historical tale to life. The project not only offers a fresh perspective on a well-known icon but also underscores the power of artistic vision and perseverance in overcoming obstacles. For entertainment enthusiasts, *Lady Liberty* promises to be a captivating blend of history, drama, and inspirational storytelling. With Duguay’s track record of blending artistry and commercial success, the film is poised to appeal to audiences globally while celebrating the enduring legacy of one of the world’s most iconic landmarks.

Verticals

entertainmentfilm

Originally published on Variety on 2/20/2026