The Unlikely Success Story of 'Taxi': From Doubt to Franchise Phenomenon
Discover the tumultuous journey of 'Taxi,' a landmark in French action cinema that overcame skepticism to become a blockbuster franchise. Learn about the behind-the-scenes challenges and triumphs.
The acclaimed French action saga, "Taxi," emerged from a landscape filled with skepticism and uncertainty. Despite its eventual triumph at the box office, the film's journey to success was anything but straightforward, marked by producer doubts, casting upheavals, and the establishment of a new production company.
Initially, the film was to be helmed by Luc Besson, who was set to write and direct for Gaumont. However, his commitments to the international blockbuster "Le Cinquième élément" left him with little time to dedicate to "Taxi." In a rush, he crafted a screenplay centered on Daniel (played by Samy Naceri), a Marseille pizza delivery man turned taxi driver, who finds himself entangled in a high-speed pursuit against a gang of German robbers known as the Mercedes Gang.
Production Challenges for Gaumont
As the project progressed, it faced increasing challenges. Originally intended to be filmed in Paris, the location shifted to Marseille, as the production team believed it would be easier to secure permits for the film’s elaborate car stunts. However, Gaumont’s confidence began to wane, leading them to consider significant changes, including a potential casting overhaul featuring names like Patrick Bruel and Vincent Perez.
EuropaCorp
Besson’s Departure and the Birth of EuropaCorp
The turning point came when Besson announced he would not be directing "Taxi" after all, opting instead to focus on "Le Cinquième élément." This decision prompted Gaumont to withdraw from the project entirely. Undeterred, Besson decided to start anew. He partnered with Pierre-Ange Le Pogam, a former influential figure at Gaumont, to establish his own production company, EuropaCorp.
He appointed Gérard Pirès, who had not directed a feature film since 1981, to take the helm. Interestingly, Pirès had recently directed an impressive commercial for Peugeot, making him a fitting choice to lead a film centered around a Peugeot 406.
A Fresh Cast and a Winning Bet
The decision was made to cast emerging talents rather than established stars. Samy Naceri and Frédéric Diefenthal were selected to portray the film's main characters. With ARP Sélection stepping in for distribution and the soundtrack composed by Akhenaton, the film began to take shape.
Upon its release on April 8, 1998, "Taxi" exceeded all expectations, drawing in 6.5 million viewers in France. The film's success was so significant that it quickly spawned a franchise, with "Taxi 2" achieving 10 million admissions, followed by "Taxi 3" with 6.1 million and "Taxi 4" with 4.5 million.
What began as a project shrouded in doubt transformed into one of the most beloved franchises in French cinema. A saga that's now available for viewing on VOD.
