Florian Zeller, a world-acclaimed playwright known for his directorial debut with the Oscar-winning film *The Father* starring Anthony Hopkins, has recently joined the Académie Française. This prestigious French literary society was founded in 1635 by Cardinal Richelieu and has played a significant role in shaping French culture. Over the centuries, the Académie Française has been instrumental in preserving and updating the country’s language, grammar, and usage.
Established during the prolific reign of Louis XIV, the Académie consists of 40 members known as “immortals.” These members are celebrated writers, philosophers, and scientists, including luminaries such as Victor Hugo, Corneille, Edmond Rostand, Jean Cocteau, and Eugene Ionesco.
At just 46 years old, Florian Zeller is the second youngest member ever elected to the society. The youngest was Cyrano de Bergerac, who joined at the age of 33 in 1901.
Currently, Zeller is in pre-production on his third feature film, *Bunker*. This project is highly anticipated as the follow-up to his emotionally gripping film *The Son*, which starred Hugh Jackman. *Bunker* is a psychological thriller set to begin filming next month in Spain, featuring an impressive cast including Penelope Cruz, Javier Bardem, and Stephen Graham (*Adolescence*).
The film’s story centers on an architect who accepts a morally ambiguous project: building a survivalist bunker for a tech billionaire and his wife. As the story unfolds, the architect begins to question the couple’s marriage after 17 years together.
Florian Zeller’s induction into the Académie Française and his upcoming film endeavors highlight his continuing impact on both literature and cinema.
https://variety.com/2025/film/global/the-father-florian-zeller-french-society-academie-francaise-1236573043/
