Delicieux director Éric Besnard is helming a film that will serve as a prequel to the Victor Hugo novel Les Misérables, reports Variety. The film will tell the origin story of Les Misérables protagonist Jean Valjean, who is played by Gregory Gadebois. Production on the film, reportedly titled Valjean, started today in Southern France.

According to the makers, the film chronicles Valjean’s transformative journey after he meets a kind and generous bishop. Despite Valjean stealing from the bishop, the latter makes him reconsider his choices and helps him become a reformed man.

The film reunites Besnard and Gadebois after the period film Louise Violet. The cast also includes Bernard Campan, Alexandra Lamy, and Isabelle Carré. Matthieu Warter and Clément Miserez are producing the film under their banner Radar Films.

With an estimated budget of €7 million, the film has various outdoor sets, with a focus on nature, just like in Besnard's earlier filmography.