In theatres November 11: Villeneuve, the Gilles Villeneuve biopic with Rémi Goulet and Rosalie Bonenfant. Story, cast, trailer and key dates.
Berthierville, 1970. A kid from a modest family who only dreams of speed. Fifty-six years later, his story hits the big screen. Villeneuve: The Rise of a Legend opens in Quebec theatres on November 11, 2026, after closing TIFF in September. Here is everything to know before you buy your ticket.
- In Quebec theatres on November 11, 2026
- Rémi Goulet plays Gilles Villeneuve, Rosalie Bonenfant plays Joann
- From snowmobile races in Berthierville to Ferrari, directed by Yan Lanouette Turgeon
What is the film about?
The film follows a young Quebecer from a modest background, obsessed with speed, from the frozen snowmobile tracks of Berthierville to the doors of Formula 1. It focuses on the years before his F1 glory: the risks, the debts, the family that holds on, and the stubbornness that took him all the way to Enzo Ferrari.
The official trailer
The cast
A who's who of Quebec cinema surrounds the two leads.
Rémi Goulet, a local kid in the cockpit
Rémi Goulet grew up about 20 minutes from Berthierville, Villeneuve's hometown. He landed the role in 2021 and spent years studying old interviews, videos and photos to capture Gilles's body language. Gilles's daughter, Mélanie Villeneuve, filled in the gaps with personal stories. When filming wrapped, he said it felt a bit like losing a friend.
The Villeneuve family on board
Mélanie Villeneuve is an executive producer of the film. She received the script in 2018 and gave up her own series project to back it. She was nine when her father died. She even visited the set in Valcourt during the snowmobile scenes.
Key dates
What critics are saying
After its TIFF premiere, Next Best Picture gave the film 7/10, praising racing sequences that are visceral and thrilling, while noting that some supporting characters feel a little two-dimensional. Its verdict: the film may not break new ground, but it brings Villeneuve's story to a wide audience.
Who was Gilles Villeneuve?
A snowmobile champion turned Formula 1 driver, Gilles Villeneuve joined Ferrari in 1977 and won six Grands Prix, including the 1978 Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal, on the track that now bears his name. He died on May 8, 1982, at Zolder, in Belgium. More than 40 years later, he remains one of the great legends of Quebec sport.
Love Quebec cinema? Read our portraits of Ludivine Reding and Isabelle Brouillette. Are you a brand looking to connect with this audience? Talk to One Way.
Villeneuve: your questions
When does the Gilles Villeneuve film come out?+
In theatres across Quebec on November 11, 2026.
Who plays Gilles Villeneuve?+
Rémi Goulet, who grew up near Berthierville. Rosalie Bonenfant plays his wife, Joann Villeneuve.
Who directed the film?+
Yan Lanouette Turgeon, from a screenplay by Daniel Roby and Guillaume Lonergan. Christian Larouche produced it for Christal Films.
How long is the film?+
1 hour 42 minutes.
Is the Villeneuve family involved?+
Yes. Gilles's daughter, Mélanie Villeneuve, is an executive producer.
What period of his life does the film cover?+
His early years, from Berthierville in 1970 and snowmobile racing to his arrival at Ferrari.
Sources: Official site, Cinoche, Films du Québec, CTVM, The Canadian Press (Rémi Goulet), The Canadian Press (Mélanie Villeneuve), Next Best Picture, Wikipedia.
