Souheila Yacoub: “I Was Not Arab Enough, Not Enough This… So No Casting”

Paris – 22.06.2026: Souheila Yacoub, who plays the lead role of Alice in the upcoming horror production “Evil Dead Burn,” looks back on a career marked by challenges and prejudices. In an interview with “Le Monde,” the 32-year-old actress spoke about repeated experiences where she was disadvantaged in castings due to her Tunisian background. “I was asked several times if I couldn’t be a bit more Arab,” she revealed.

These experiences reflect the ongoing challenges faced by actors with migrant backgrounds in French film. They are often limited to stereotypical roles or not considered at all if they do not fit prevailing expectations. Yacoub, born near Geneva to a Belgian mother and a rarely present Tunisian father, has made a name for herself despite these obstacles. After a successful career in gymnastics and being crowned Miss Switzerland Romandie, she devoted herself to theater and worked with renowned directors such as Wajdi Mouawad and Gaspar Noé.

In “Evil Dead Burn,” the latest installment of the cult horror series, Yacoub takes on the role of Alice, who travels to a remote house of her in-laws after the death of her husband. There, her relatives gradually transform into demonic creatures, turning the family reunion into a nightmare. The film, which will be released on July 8, 2026, in France and Italy, and on July 10, 2026, in the USA, promises to be the most brutal part of the series.

Despite the challenges she has faced in her career, Yacoub remains optimistic and committed. She emphasizes the importance of diversity and authenticity in film and hopes that her work will help change the perception of actors with migrant backgrounds. “It’s important that we tell our stories and are seen,” she says.

“Evil Dead Burn” is directed by Sébastien Vaniček, who after his success with “Vermines” has once again taken the helm of a sequel in the series. The production promises to thrill fans with intense horror effects and a gripping plot.

For Yacoub, this film represents another step in her career that not only showcases her acting abilities but also stands as a signal for overcoming prejudices in French cinema. Her story is an example of perseverance and belief in one’s own identity despite the challenges encountered along the way.