Louvre heist to be turned into film, documentary series

A jewelry heist at the Louvre that netted an estimated $100 million in gems is being adapted into a feature film and a documentary series, based on an investigative book by three French journalists, The Korea Times reported.

The adaptations come seven months after the Oct. 19, 2025, robbery shocked France and led to the removal of Louvre Director Laurence des Cars — main suspects have been arrested, but the stolen jewels have yet to surface.

The theft occurred Oct. 19, 2025, when thieves made off with an estimated $100 million in jewels from the Paris landmark. French authorities arrested the main suspects in the months that followed, but the stolen gems have not been recovered, according to The Korea Times.

Three journalists — representing Le Parisien, Le Monde and Paris Match — documented the crime and its aftermath in an investigative book titled "Main basse sur le Louvre," which translates roughly as "A Grab at the Louvre." Flammarion, the book's publisher, is releasing the title May 28.

The authors write that the case "has become a dense mystery, a puzzle that has plunged investigators into deep confusion," according to The Korea Times. The jewels' apparent disappearance has left law enforcement with few leads despite the arrests.

Production company Iconoclast has acquired the film rights. French director Romain Gavras, known for his 2025 feature "Sacrifice," is attached to direct. No title, cast or release date has been announced, The Korea Times reported.

A British producer separately acquired rights to adapt the story as a documentary series, giving the narrative two parallel screen treatments.

In their book, the three journalists argue that "the theft of artworks has become a business like any other for many criminals," and conclude that "the criminal underworld has found a new cash cow," according to The Korea Times.

The stolen jewels remain at large. "Main basse sur le Louvre" goes on sale May 28; both the film and documentary series are in early development with no release dates announced.