Rémi Goulet is stepping into the role of Gilles Villeneuve in a new Quebec biopic that will bring the legendary Canadian racing driver’s early career to the big screen.
Villeneuve: L’ascension d’une légende is scheduled to open in cinemas on November 11, 2026.
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Remi Goulet: Rémi Goulet plays Gilles Villeneuve
The film follows Villeneuve from his modest beginnings in Berthierville as he pursues a place in the highly competitive world of professional motor racing.
Its story begins in 1970, when Villeneuve is portrayed as a young mechanic and speed enthusiast prepared to risk his financial security and the future of his family to pursue racing.
Goulet, who grew up in the Lanaudière region, has described the role as one of the biggest challenges of his career.
To prepare, the actor studied archival footage of Villeneuve and listened closely to recordings of the driver’s interviews.
Rather than treating Villeneuve only as a racing icon, Goulet has focused on portraying the person behind the public image, including his life as a husband, father, brother and friend.
What the film covers
Villeneuve: L’ascension d’une légende centres on the period before Villeneuve became internationally known as a Ferrari Formula One driver.
The official synopsis describes a young Quebecer from a modest background who relies on raw talent while trying to enter a sport traditionally associated with wealthy competitors.
The film is directed by Yan Lanouette Turgeon, with a screenplay credited to Daniel Roby and Guillaume Lonergan.
Rosalie Bonenfant plays Joann Villeneuve, while the supporting cast includes Patrice Robitaille, Anick Lemay, Fabien Cloutier and Luc Picard.
Christal Films is producing the feature, with Les Films Opale and Entract Films handling distribution.
A Quebec story with international racing roots
Villeneuve remains one of Canada’s most recognizable motorsport figures more than four decades after his death.
Born in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu and raised in Berthierville, he built his reputation through snowmobile and open-wheel racing before reaching Formula One.
His aggressive driving style and close relationship with Canadian fans helped make him a defining figure in the sport’s history.
Villeneuve died in a crash during qualifying for the 1982 Belgian Grand Prix at Zolder.
The new film does not present itself as a complete account of his entire life.
Instead, it concentrates on the ambition, risks and personal relationships that shaped his rise from local Quebec racing to the international circuit.
When and where to watch the film
The film is set to open in Quebec cinemas on Wednesday, November 11, 2026.
English-subtitled screenings are expected to make the French-language production accessible to audiences outside Quebec.
The official film website has released a trailer and lists the principal cast, director and Canadian theatrical release date.
Additional screening information will depend on local cinema schedules as the release approaches.
For Goulet, the theatrical launch marks the public release of a project that has been in development for several years.
The role also places a younger Quebec actor at the centre of a story connected to one of the country’s most enduring sporting legacies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who plays Gilles Villeneuve in the new film?
Quebec actor Rémi Goulet plays Gilles Villeneuve in Villeneuve: L’ascension d’une légende.
When does Villeneuve: L’ascension d’une légende open in cinemas?
The film is scheduled to open in Canadian cinemas on November 11, 2026.
Who directed the Gilles Villeneuve biopic?
Yan Lanouette Turgeon directed the film.
Who plays Joann Villeneuve?
Rosalie Bonenfant plays Joann Villeneuve, Gilles Villeneuve’s wife.
What period of Gilles Villeneuve’s life does the film cover?
The story focuses on his early rise from Berthierville and Quebec racing into the international motorsport world.
Fact-Checked: Key details were checked against the film’s official website, trailer page and distributor information.
Disclaimer: Release schedules and local screening availability may change by cinema and region.