France has created its own version of ‘Fleabag’.
The critically acclaimed British series – which Phoebe Waller-Bridge created and starred in as the titular character – was so popular in France that the country has commissioned a French language adaptation, which follows the original story almost scene for scene.
The French version is titled ‘Mouche’ – which means "fly" in French – and follows the life a woman by the same name, who is being played by French actress Camille Cottin, and is set in Paris against the backdrop of bridges over the Seine, rather than London.
Writer and director, Jeanne Herry, told France Inter radio this week: "The English version is excellent, so I don’t see why you’d change it. I didn’t want to be adding things in.
"It was about making sure it sounded right in France, so that it really seemed anchored in France. We found it worked with Paris decor and costumes. It’s a series that is not so much about England or English culture but about the times we’re living in.
"Those times we’re living in have a similar impact across Europe and the western world and similar themes – personal connection, the difficulties of talking at the heart of families. It’s all so universal that the connection worked."
And Camille – who is most known to UK viewers for her role in the French comedy series ‘Call My Agent’ – said she loved ‘Fleabag’ instantly and knew it was a very special story.
Detailing how she discovered the series through her sister, the 40-year-old actress explained: "She said: ‘You have to see this, the sisters are us.’ I watched it and it made me hysterical with joy and happiness."
She also added that she was taken by the endearing main character "who, faced with grief, unhappiness and despair, puts on this sunny, dazzling front when inside she’s destroyed."
‘Mouche’ will air on Canal+ from June 3.
France has made its own version of Fleabag
