From Queen Mary research to the big screen: De Gaulle biopic becomes a hit in France

A major two-part biopic of Charles de Gaulle, based on an acclaimed biography written by former Queen Mary University of London historian Professor Julian Jackson, is set to arrive in UK cinemas following its success in France.

De Gaulle, directed by Antonin Baudry, draws on Professor Jackson's biography A Certain Idea of France: The Life of Charles de Gaulle, which was researched and written during his time as Professor of Modern French History at Queen Mary.

The biography, first published in 2018, has been widely acclaimed for its account of the life and political career of the French general and statesman. It won the Duff Cooper Prize, the Elizabeth Longford Prize for Historical Biography and the Franco-British Society Literary Prize, and two French literary prizes.

Jackson was closely involved in bringing his research to the screen, working with the filmmakers during the adaptation of his biography.

The resulting production tells de Gaulle's story across two films, with Simon Abkarian portraying the French leader and Simon Russell Beale playing Winston Churchill. The first part premiered at the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year.

The films have since attracted millions of cinemagoers in France, with The Guardian reporting in August that the biopic had become a surprise hit, particularly among younger audiences. It  had also attracted attention from French personalities across the political spectrum, from the Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu to the left wing leader Jean-Luc Melenchon.

The UK release provides a striking example of how academic research can travel far beyond its original publication, taking historical scholarship from the pages of a major biography to an international cinema audience.

Professor Jackson taught at Queen Mary for more than 30 years and was Head of the School of History between 2008 and 2011. His research focuses on twentieth-century French history, with particular interests in France during the Second World War and the history of sexuality in modern France.

Speaking about the adaptation, Professor Jackson said: “It was a great honour for me as British historian to have inspired this ambitious French film about France’s greatest political heroes. And also fascinating to contribute to the process of turning History into film. The film has proved that it is possible to make cinematic blockbuster that is serious and compelling - France’s answer to the garbage that is currently spewed out by Hollywood!”

De Gaulle will be released in UK cinemas from 28 August 2026.