Jamel Debbouze, Marsupilami and Morocco: Can He Win Back the Public?

Showing in cinemas across the Kingdom since this week, the film is directed by Philippe Lacheau. Inspired by the work of André Franquin, the feature film stars Jamel Debbouze as David, an employee willing to do anything to save his career. Accompanied by his family and a naive colleague, he embarks on a turbulent sea voyage after accidentally discovering a baby Marsupilami hidden in a mysterious package.

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This return to the spotlight represents a real test for the 50-year-old actor. His popularity in Morocco was severely affected during the 2022 World Cup. His appearance in the semifinal wearing a hybrid jersey displaying the colors of Morocco and France simultaneously triggered a wave of outrage on social media, with many supporters considering this neutrality incompatible with the national fervor surrounding the Atlas Lions.

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For this comeback, Debbouze is relying on a cast featuring Tarek Boudali, Jean Reno and Franck Dubosc. While the film uses adventure and cheeky humor to win over families, the stakes remain political for the Franco-Moroccan star. The success of “Marsupilami” in the Kingdom will determine whether the public is ready to turn the page on the criticism that had threatened even the future of his iconic festival, Marrakech du Rire.