See who's replacing Sylvia Kristel for the remake of X-rated 'Emmanuelle'

During a relatively liberal era in film history, back in the 70s, one particular movie became the benchmark of a new genre: softcore (Rating S). The film was 'Emmanuelle' and it came out in 1974.

The film, directed by Just Jaeckin, achieved cult status shortly after its release. Its protagonist, Sylvia Kristel, went from actress to legend in a matter of days.

Almost half a century later, the ill-fated actress (she died in 2012) has a successor for the remake of the 'Emmanuele' saga that is being prepared: Léa Seydoux.

As The Hollywood Reporter confirms, the Parisian actress will once again star in a film with adult content. In 2013, she appeared in the controversial and appraised 'Blue Is the Warmest Colour' ('La Vie de Adèle').

Directed by Abdellatif Kechiche and starring Adèle Exarchopoulos, 'Blue Is the Warmest Colour' won the Golden Palm (Palme d'Or) at the Cannes Film Festival 2013. That's the same festival where in 2022 the remake of 'Emmanuelle' was announced.

For 'Emmanuelle,' Audrey Diwan (r) will be in charge of the direction. It's her third feature film as a director, after 'Losing It' ('Mais Vous Êtes Fous') in 2019 and 'Happening' in 2021.

'Happening' won the Golden Lion at the 2021 Venice Festival. It tells the story of a young woman who seeks an abortion in Paris in the 60s - a time in which that was illegal.

It remains to be seen if the new 'Emmanuelle' stays close to the original script or if new roads are explored.

The 1974 film was based on the homonymous novel by Emmanuelle Arsan from 1959. It recounted the adventures of a young woman who explored her options for physical pleasure.

Some of the explicit scenes caused the original film to be rated X, but that only helped trigger its international success. 'Emmanuelle' surpassed 300 million viewers worldwide.

The three-part story - with Sylvia Kristel as its star - became so famous that the actress tended to forego visiting the bathroom when she was in an airplane, no matter how long the journey, just to avoid suspicion or inquisitive looks about what she might be doing in there.

Emmanuelle's story broke many taboos with regard to relationships, couples, and sexuality.

'Emmanuelle' got up to 80 sequels, from movies to series with the character of Emmanuelle in the background. They would not feature the recognizable Sylvia Kristel as the protagonist.

Of course, actresses like Laura Gemser also achieved great popularity thanks to their interpretations of Emmanuelle. In 'Black Emanuelle', 'Emanuelle's Holidays', and 'Emanuelle in Bangkok', Gemser's movies, the protagonist only had one 'm'. Still, the premise of the stories remained the same.

The remake of this classic is carried out by Wild Bunch International and CAA Media Finance, companies also responsible for 'Titane' (2021), 'Vicky Cristina Barcelona' (2008), and 'The Wrestler' (2009), among others.

Will Léa Seydoux reach the same popularity as Sylvia Kristel in the 70s? If anyone can make it to that point, it's her.