Marco Cherqui Readies France 2 Crime Drama ‘La Petite’

Marco Cherqui, the producer behind the Oscar-nominated “A Prophet,” has locked in his next move with “La Petite,” a new four-part French crime drama for France 2.

The project arrives with serious pedigree and a tight timetable. Reports indicate filming will begin in six weeks, putting the series on a fast track from development to production. Cherqui brings the kind of reputation that commands attention in European drama, and “La Petite” now pairs that producing weight with Antoine Garceau, known for “Call My Agent!,” in the director’s chair.

“La Petite” unites established French talent across producing, writing, and directing at a moment when crime drama remains one of television’s most durable draws.

The creative team signals a clear tone. Emmanuelle Michaud, whose credits include “Vendetta” and “La Terre et le sang,” will write the series, suggesting a story built for tension, character pressure, and moral conflict. While plot details remain limited, the format alone matters: four episodes often force sharper pacing, fewer detours, and a more concentrated emotional hit than sprawling crime franchises.

The announcement also underlines how much France’s television market continues to lean on prestige crime storytelling. Broadcasters want recognizable creative names, but they also need series that can cut through a crowded viewing landscape at home and abroad. “La Petite” appears built for exactly that challenge: compact, brandable, and backed by talent with proven reach.

What comes next will determine whether the early buzz turns into a breakout. As production nears, the biggest questions center on casting, story details, and how France 2 positions the series in a highly competitive drama slate. For now, one thing stands out: when a producer with Cherqui’s track record moves this quickly on a crime project, the industry pays attention.