Les Rois du gag

Gaëtan is an established comedian with a successful monthly TV show. He is unhappy in his private life, and his snobbish wife Jacqueline despises his work while cherishing auteur cinema. His confidence wavers as he worries his material has grown stale, prompting him to seek new input before ultimately reconciling with his writers.

Paul is one of Gaëtan's gagmen who, alongside François, feels sidelined by Gaëtan's prominence. He and François push to prove themselves, seeking opportunities as writers and performers in their own right. He is pragmatic, opportunistic, and deeply loyal to his partner François.

François is Gaëtan's brother-in-law and fellow gagman who teams with Paul to challenge the status quo. He and Paul bring fresh energy and ideas, helping to shift Gaëtan's approach to the material and the show.

Jacqueline is Gaëtan's snobbish, wealthy wife who admires auteur cinema and looks down on popular comedy. Her disapproval of Gaëtan's work drives some of his insecurities and motivates his desire to prove himself through film.

Alexandra is Gaëtan's daughter who becomes entangled in the plot when Georges intrudes and later forms a relationship with François. She embodies the personal stakes behind the brand of success on display.

Robert Wellson is a temperamental film director who arrives in Paris to cast Gaëtan in his new project. His demanding nature and ego threaten Gaëtan's career, ultimately leading to a dramatic shift in their relationship before reconciliation.

Georges is the up-and-coming comedian whose act Gaëtan interrupts and who later intrudes with a gun in a tense moment. He represents the next generation of talent and the rivalry that can arise in the comedy world.