Raphaël Quenard and Jean-Pascal Zadi Premiere ‘Le Rêve américain’ in Paris
PARIS, 09 February 2026 – The French cinema scene gathered at the UGC Ciné Cité Bercy on Friday, 6 February 2026, for the highly anticipated premiere of Le Rêve américain (The American Dream). The film stars Raphaël Quenard and Jean-Pascal Zadi, marking the sixth collaboration between the two actors following successful projects such as I Love Peru (2025) and the award-winning L’Amour ouf (2024).
A Cinematic Partnership Strengthened
The premiere in Paris, followed by promotional stops in Alsace and Ludres, showcased the strong professional bond between Quenard and Zadi. Le Rêve américain is described as a poignant story based on true events, where the duo portrays Bouna Ndiaye and Jérémy Medjana. During the press tour, the actors made a public appeal to President Emmanuel Macron, requesting official recognition for the real-life figures whose story inspired the film.
Quenard, who rose to prominence with his breakthrough role in Chien de la casse (Junkyard Dog) in 2023, continues to be one of the most prolific figures in French film. However, recent industry reports indicate a shift in upcoming projects; Benjamin Voisin is now expected to take the lead in the highly discussed Johnny Hallyday biopic, a role previously associated with Quenard.
Career Reflections and ‘Hot Ones’ Revelations
Beyond the red carpet, Quenard made headlines this week following his appearance on the popular Canal+ programme Hot Ones, hosted by Kyan Khojandi. On 3 February 2026, the actor shared humorous anecdotes regarding his early career struggles. Most notably, he revealed he was once rejected from the casting of the popular television game show Attention à la marche, hosted by Jean-Luc Reichmann. Quenard joked that his unconventional persona at the time led producers to view him as an “organiser of divorces and festive funerals” rather than a suitable contestant.
Key Career Milestones: Raphaël Quenard
| Year | Project / Achievement |
|---|---|
| 2026 | Release of Le Rêve américain with Jean-Pascal Zadi. |
| 2025 | Starring role and writer for I Love Peru. |
| 2024 | Appeared in six films, including Beating Hearts (L’Amour ouf). |
| 2023 | Breakthrough with Chien de la casse and Yannick. |
| 1991 | Born on 16 May in Échirolles, Isère. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Raphaël Quenard’s latest film?
His latest film is Le Rêve américain, which premiered in February 2026. It is a collaborative project with actor Jean-Pascal Zadi.
Did Raphaël Quenard win a César Award?
Yes, Quenard is a César-winning actor, having gained significant critical acclaim for his roles in 2023 and 2024, particularly for Chien de la casse.
Is Raphaël Quenard still playing Johnny Hallyday in the biopic?
According to recent reports as of February 2026, Benjamin Voisin is confirmed to replace Raphaël Quenard in the upcoming biopic of the French rock icon.