Mauvaise Pioche

Mauvaise Pioche (2026)



6.0 2026 — France

Director: Gérard Jugnot

Cast: Gérard Jugnot, Thierry Lhermitte, Philippe Lacheau, Zabou Breitman, Jean-Pierre Darroussin

Comedy
A quiet, law-abiding retiree is thrown into chaos when a case of mistaken identity lands him in handcuffs—and paints him as France's most dangerous fugitive. Suddenly, the spotlight is on him, and the media won't let go. As the frenzy spirals out of control, this ordinary man must fight tooth and nail to clear his name and reclaim the quiet life he once knew—but will the truth be enough to set him free?

More About This Film

Mauvaise Pioche is a French comedy about Serge Martin, an unassuming retired man who is suddenly arrested because authorities mistake him for one of the country's most wanted fugitives. Overnight, an ordinary citizen becomes the subject of intense media attention and must struggle to prove who he really is.

Gérard Jugnot directs and stars in a comedy that uses the absurdity of mistaken identity to explore misinformation, social media and the speed with which an ordinary story can become a public spectacle. Philippe Lacheau, Thierry Lhermitte and François Bureloup also appear in the ensemble.

  • Gérard Jugnot directed the film and appears in the leading role.
  • The screenplay was written by Gérard Jugnot and Frédéric Hazan, with Serge Lamadie also credited.
  • The story was inspired by the real case of Guy Joao, who was mistakenly identified as Xavier Dupont de Ligonnès in 2019.
  • The film was presented in the official selection of the 2026 Alpe d'Huez International Comedy Film Festival.
  • Filming took place in locations around the Bouches-du-Rhône, including Marseille and Martigues.

Where to Watch

Mauvaise Pioche has completed its French theatrical run and is available through several digital video-on-demand services.