To secure this role, Léonard Signoret went through a lengthy casting process. After an initial recorded audition, he was invited to Paris for a 'callback,' a final stage involving the last remaining candidates. Further auditions followed, both at his home and on camera with one of the film's main actors.
It was on a Thursday evening that Fred Cavayé called him to announce his selection. 'It was a Thursday evening, we invited all our friends to celebrate,' recounts Léonard. The young actor was only familiar with the character by name at the time, even as he was studying Les Misérables in his French class. Once selected, he watched several adaptations of the novel, both cinematic and theatrical, before developing his own portrayal of Gavroche: a free, joyful street child involved in the revolution.
The filming took him to Bordeaux, where a full-scale barricade had been constructed to recreate 19th-century Paris. Within his first few days on set, he filmed one of his most challenging scenes. The sets, extras, and direction made him realize the project's magnitude.
Facing actors like Vincent Lindon, Tahar Rahim, Camille Cottin, and Benjamin Lavernhe, Léonard observed closely. He particularly noted that acting isn't just about words: 'You can act without dialogue, all in the gaze.' His co-stars also offered him advice to enhance his screen presence.
A few weeks ago, Léonard watched the film with his family. It was an emotional screening; his mother couldn't hold back tears seeing him as Gavroche. He suddenly became aware of the journey he had taken, appearing amidst this cast. Another symbol of this new phase: for the first time, his name appears on the official film poster.
Already back to filming a new season of La Colo, Léonard Signoret continues his career as a young actor.
