New Film Adaptation of "The Count of Monte Cristo" to Star and Be Produced By Regé-Jean Page

Regé-Jean Page, a Bridgerton alum, is returning to historical plays with his new part in The Count of Monte Cristo.
According to Deadline, Page will star in and produce The Count of Monte Cristo, which is being created by Department M, an independent film firm. He and Emily Brown, his producing partner, will work together to develop the project through their company A Mighty Stranger. Department M founders Mike LaRocca and Michael Schaefer, as well as YouRoc creator Youtchi von Lintel, will serve as executive producers.

The Count of Monte Cristo, written by Alexandre Dumas in 1846, tells the story of Edmond Dantès, a young sailor who is falsely accused of a crime he did not commit by those jealous of his success. After years in prison, stewing in wrath, he emerges as the mysterious Count, eager to use his newfound wealth to exact retribution.

Page made a remark about taking on the legendary role.“Bold, adventurous storytelling with heart is the reason I got into this business, and is the backbone of everything we’re making,” he said.

“Working alongside incredible collaborators, A Mighty Stranger is building a slate of creative-led projects that will broaden the cultural lens through pure entertainment,” he continued. “That’s why we’re so excited to be bringing The Count of Monte Cristo to global audiences, unlocking the depths of Dumas’ work in ways not seen yet.”

The book has been adapted for film multiple times, but this is the first time a Black actor would portray the Count. That casting choice could be a tribute to Dumas' own mixed-race origins.

Of course, racist trolls will undoubtedly characterize the casting as "woke," but it serves as a reminder that Dumas was one of many Black and mixed-race Europeans who contributed to shaping European history. Thomas-Alexandre Dumas, Dumas' father, was of Haitian heritage and was the first person of color to become a French general. It is also thought that the Count was inspired by him. A film on Thomas-Alexandre has been in development hell for years, despite his appearance in the 2023 film Napoleon.