Biopic planned for late celebrity chef Bernard Loiseau, icon of French 'Ratatouille'

The story of Bernard Loiseau, the renowned French chef who inspired Chef Auguste Gusteau in Pixar's Ratatouille, is being turned into a biographical film.

Chi-Fou-Mi Productions, a member of the Mediawan Group, along with 31 Juin Films, revealed on Thursday that they are collaborating with Loiseau’s family to create and produce a film about his life, penned and directed by Thomas Lilti.

During the 1990s and early 2000s, Loiseau was one of France’s most acclaimed chefs, leading the iconic La Côte d’Or hotel and restaurant located in the town of Saulieu in Burgundy, France.

In 1991, the restaurant earned the prestigious third Michelin star, the highest honor in the French culinary sphere, confirming Loiseau’s legendary status in the industry.

Sad news came in 2003 when, at the age of 52, Loiseau took his own life. His passing sent ripples throughout both French and global culinary communities, with rumors circulating that he feared losing his third Michelin star.

Lilti is renowned for his work focusing on the lives of individuals in the medical field, with projects like the 2014 hit feature Hippocrates and its Canal+ spinoff Interns, along with films The Country Doctor, First Year, and A Real Job.

“From the onset of my career, I have aimed to depict work and narrate the stories of individuals facing their calling. With Bernard Loiseau, the topic becomes even more personal, and that truly moves me about his tale,” he mentioned.

“Diving into his life is about discussing excellence, work, doubt, legitimacy, and solitude. It involves trying to comprehend genius—in all its visionary power, but also in its inherently destructive nature. By delving deeply into his life and work, I am uncovering a man who was profoundly loved and loving, and whose tragic ending exposes fractures perhaps only fiction can truly explore.”

Loiseau’s legacy at La Côte d’Or is carried on by his family under the Groupe Bernard Loiseau, which fully endorses the upcoming film.

“We are deeply touched that Thomas Lilti has demonstrated such understanding of Bernard Loiseau’s story. Like medicine, gastronomy demands complete commitment for the benefit of others and their joy. Striving for excellence is a continuous effort: every gesture, every detail counts,” said Bérangère Loiseau, Chairwoman of Groupe Bernard Loiseau.

That was what fueled Bernard Loiseau—his love for people and for diligently done work. Thomas Lilti appreciates all of this with genuine respect and profound humanity.”

Hugo Sélignac’s Chi-Fou-Mi is among France’s well-known production firms. Previous projects include Beating Hearts and The Stronghold, and the company will have a presence in Cannes this year with Another Day and Full Phil.

Agnès Vallée and Emmanuel Barraux at 31 Juin Films have collaborated with Lilti since his breakthrough with Hippocrates.