Omar Sy Discusses 'Lupin,' French Society, and Racism

French actor Omar Sy, known globally for his role as Assane Diop in the Netflix series "Lupin," has discussed his career, his perspective on French society, and his personal experiences with racism in a recent interview.

Sy, who has lived in the United States for approximately 10 years, described his experience with the international success of "Lupin," which he co-produces. He noted that he and director Louis Leterrier anticipated the show's global reach based on Netflix's presence in the U.S. "We simply said to ourselves: let's make a show that does France proud," Sy stated, reflecting on the series' significant viewership.

He also spoke about the real-life Louvre heist that occurred months after a similar event was depicted in "Lupin." Sy expressed being "stunned" that the robbers seemingly attempted to replicate scenes from the series, leading to a mix of amusement and a sense of responsibility. He emphasized that while "Lupin" features extraordinary characters, the moral of the story and the values conveyed are carefully considered, acknowledging that Assane Diop and Arsène Lupin remain thieves.

Sy views himself as an ambassador for France, a sentiment that has deepened since living abroad. He feels that by living outside his home country, he has become "even more French," carrying his nationality with him and being recognized for it by others. He also highlighted "Lupin's" impact on rekindling interest in the works of Maurice Leblanc, the creator of Arsène Lupin.

Beyond his acting roles, Sy indicated a desire to spotlight deeper societal issues. He explained that his creative choices are driven by a need to express something meaningful, often focusing on "injustices, the invisible people" who exist but are often overlooked. He described this as a subtle "Trojan horse" within his work, not a grand crusade, but a driving force.

Reflecting on his move to the United States, which followed the success of the film "The Intouchables," Sy noted that it provided him with a more global perspective on the world and the film industry. He acknowledged that in France, the business aspect of filmmaking is sometimes less openly discussed compared to the U.S., where it is less taboo. This understanding, he said, has been beneficial for him as a producer.

Sy expressed ongoing concern about the state of French society, describing it as increasingly fractured and making it more difficult to build bridges between people. He recalled his childhood in Trappes, a suburb of Paris, where he did not feel the same sense of division that he perceives today, though he acknowledged that racism existed even then, but with a different intensity.

Regarding the current political climate in France, with far-right parties leading in polls, Sy stated that it confirms his long-held concerns about the country heading towards "giving itself the wrong answers." He expressed feeling "lost" like many French citizens regarding innovative proposals but knows who he will not vote for in the upcoming presidential election. He asserted his right as a French citizen living abroad to express his political views.

Sy also addressed experiences with racism, suggesting he has encountered more of it in France than in the United States. He pointed to differences in legal protections and behavioral acceptance for certain acts and attitudes. He also critiqued the argument that he should not criticize France because he lives abroad, deeming such injunctions a form of racism directed at him because he is Black.

On the subject of artificial intelligence, Sy believes it should remain a tool in service of creation, not a replacement for human creators. He stated that AI lacks the "soul" that moves audiences in art. He compared the current debate around AI to the arrival of Netflix, suggesting that regulation and adaptation, rather than outright opposition, are key to coexisting with the technology.

When asked about staying grounded amidst global recognition, Sy acknowledged the difficulty, noting that people often project their own images onto him. He stressed the importance of understanding that audiences are often interacting with the image they have constructed, not necessarily the person. He also touched on his involvement in social issues, explaining that he speaks out when a topic resonates with him and when he is given a platform, rather than out of obligation.

Sy reflected on his life journey, noting the birth of his eldest daughter in Trappes and his youngest in Los Angeles as symbolic of his "elastic" life. He emphasized the ability to evolve without denying one's roots, a value he aims to pass on to his children. Despite his success, he finds joy in simple things like visiting the market, cooking, and spending time in nature. He also spoke about the possibility of developing other projects, including in sports and agriculture, and finding a way to remain involved in filmmaking even if he steps away from acting. He sees a common thread in his various pursuits: bringing people together and building connections.