Negotiator on TF1: This central character almost didn’t exist!

In The Negotiator, TF1’s new detective series, François-Xavier Demazon meets Antoine Clerc, a former BRI negotiator who returns to work with the head of the RAID team, Hélène Bannier (Jeanne Bourneau).

The life of this colorful character is a real mess. He has three daughters from three different unions. Ex-partners who constantly interfere in his daily life. Antoine also has to deal with his father, nicknamed Papi Catus, a loving and somewhat invasive grandfather… who almost never existed!

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It is Michelle Jonas who lends her qualities to the character of Papi Katu. And if the singer and actress is perfect for the role, she couldn’t be in The Negotiator. During a press event organized to promote the series, producer Alexandre Amiel said that Papa Catho was originally supposed to be Mami Catho. The main change was decided at the instigation of Arnold Mercadier, the director.

“Originally, there was a character named Mamie Cathou“- explained the producer. “But we weren’t completely satisfied with the casting and the people we could meet. And suddenly the director had an idea: why not change the character to grandfather Kathow, without changing a single line of the script.“The production was fascinated by this unusual idea.

Michelle Jonas as Grandpa Chicken

After this change in artistic direction, the production called on Michelle Jonas. “He loved playing the character and he did it perfectly. We were happy to pass it on“, Alexander Amiel confided, before adding:He really brought the character to life. For example, the term “Poussin” was his idea.”

Today, it is hard to imagine that the character played by Michelle Jonas would be completely different.

Find the last two episodes Negotiator This Monday 8th April from 21:10 on TF1. For those who are more impatient, season 1 is already available in its entirety on the TF1+ platform.