Charles de Gaulle on the big screen: Why has the hero of June 18 been so rarely portrayed in cinema?

Paris – 06/03/2026: Charles de Gaulle, the iconic leader of the French Resistance during World War II and future president of the Republic, has long been rarely seen on screen. Unlike the many British films about Winston Churchill, France lacked cinematic portrayals of the general, who plays a central role in the country’s history.

One of the few exceptions was the 2020 film “De Gaulle,” in which Lambert Wilson portrayed the general. The film focused on the years of World War II and showed de Gaulle as a determined leader, but despite positive reviews, it did not reach the wide audience it might have deserved.

Currently, the cinematic representation of de Gaulle is taking on a new dimension: director Antonin Baudry, himself a former diplomat, is dedicating a two-part biopic to the head of state. The first, “De Gaulle: Tilting Iron,” was recently presented at the Cannes Film Festival and is being released in theaters today. The second part, titled “Sovereign Edge,” is scheduled for July 3, 2026. Baudry seeks to demystify the often rigid, almost monumental figure to paint a more complex and human portrait. France’s cultural autonomy plays an important role in this, illustrated by scenes such as the 1940 student demonstrations.

The challenge for this adaptation lies not only in de Gaulle’s imposing physical presence but especially in his multifaceted personality. Simon Abkarian, who portrays this enigmatic hero in Baudry’s film, describes him as “a very strange figure, out of his time.” The goal of the film is to break the often cold facade and expose the man’s inner conflicts.

This new cinematic approach is important for the history of French cinema because it offers an opportunity to view de Gaulle from a different angle and to revalue his historical role. The upcoming release of both parts promises an in-depth exploration of the life and work of this remarkable statesman.

The reasons for the previous rarity of cinematic representations of de Gaulle are multiple: his complex personality and the difficulty of authentically portraying it on screen, as well as respect for his historical significance, have probably discouraged filmmakers. But with current productions, a more nuanced image is emerging.

At a time when biographical and historical films are gaining importance, the renewed attention to de Gaulle marks a major step. These films invite the audience to reflect on leadership, resistance, and national identity — themes as relevant today as in his era.

“De Gaulle: Tilting Iron” signals growing interest from the French film industry in complex historical figures. The success of these works could encourage future productions to bring other facets of national history to life on the big screen.