'The Shrinking Man': Jan Kounen and Jean Dujardin Reunite After 18 Years in Bold New Film

Jean Dujardin faces a colossal challenge in The Shrinking Man ( L’Homme qui rétrécit), an upcoming science fiction film due for release on 29 October. The film is directed by Jan Kounen, marking his reunion with Dujardin 18 years after their collaboration on 99 Francs, the adaptation of Frédéric Beigbeder’s 2000 novel.

The screenplay, adapted by Kounen himself, follows Dujardin’s character who suffers a mysterious affliction after encountering a strange weather phenomenon during a sea outing. His body begins to shrink relentlessly, day by day. Initially dismissed by doctors as a psychosis, the condition proves to be a genuine physical transformation. He must then survive in a now hostile environment, where ordinary animals become deadly predators.

The Shrinking Man is originally based on the cult 1956 novel by American author Richard Matheson. The story was first adapted for film by Jack Arnold just a year later. Matheson, a seminal figure in science fiction and horror, greatly influenced Stephen King, with several of his works adapted for the screen, including Duel — which launched Steven Spielberg’s directing career — and I Am Legend, adapted three times for cinema.

Universal Pictures has also unveiled a nostalgic adventure-style poster alongside the trailer. With The Shrinking Man, director Jan Kounen, known for Dobermann, delivers a daring new film led by a fully committed Jean Dujardin, who himself initiated the project.