NETFLIX’S Lupin is fast becoming the platform’s most popular French show.
The new series follows subterfuge genius Assane Diop in his quest to solve the mystery of a stolen necklace. But the series’ namesake, Arsène Lupin, has has roots in 20th century French literature.
Rather than being an adaptation of a book, Netflix’s Lupin takes inspiration from Arsène Lupin, a fictional character originally created by French author Maurice Leblanc in 1905.
Lupin’s main character, Assane Diop, is inspired by the famous character, who is described as a “gentleman thief” – a master of trickery working for the greater good.
Throughout the series, Assane refers back to the Leblanc books, which were given to him by his father Babakar.
From the texts, he takes ideas for his illusions and trickery as he attempts to solve the mystery of the villainous Hubert Pellegrini to absolve his father’s name.
Netflix’s Lupin is very different from the original texts from the 1900s.
Set in modern day France, protagonist Assane is trying to replicate his hero Arsène Lupin in his endeavours to reveal Hubert Pellegrini’s guilt.
The first episode begins with a heist during an auction at Paris’ Louvre, where a necklace worn by Marie Antoinette is being sold by the Pellegrini’s, who now own it.
The Queen’s Necklace is actually one of the stories by Maurice Leblanc, written in 1906 for a French magazine, so here might lie the inspiration for the first episode.
Throughout the series, Assane’s genius stunts including his escape from prison, and defying the police, are all derived from stunts that Arsène Lupin himself invented.
According to Le Parisien, the hit series has led to a revival of Leblanc’s novels. In fact, the book has now been reprinted with an edition which reflects the new series.
The publishing house said: “We wanted to send the message that the series is a permanent tribute to Arsène Lupin.”
Arsène Lupin is a character invented by Maurice Leblanc, and the infamous character appears in 17 novels, 39 novellas, and numerous short stories.
He is a master of subterfuge and a criminal genius.
Constantly evading the police’s investigation, Lupin commits acts of robbery in the public interest.
Funnily enough, Britain’s favourite detective Sherlock Holmes appears in several of Lupin’s adventures, although for legal reasons he appears in the novels as “Herlock Sholmes”.
Netflix’s Lupin is not the first time the character has been featured on the small screen.
Lupin has been featured in Japanese comics and animation by manga artist Monkey Punch, Lupin III and Lupin III: World’s Most Wanted.
These manga series inspired Studio Ghibli founder Hayao Miyazaki’s film The Castle of Cagliostro.
