Deva Cassel on Navigating Fame and Forging Her Own Path in “The Phantom of the Opera”
Deva Cassel, the 21-year-old daughter of Monica Bellucci and Vincent Cassel, is poised to star in Alexandre Castagnetti’s upcoming adaptation of Gaston Leroux’s classic novel, The Phantom of the Opera, set for release on September 23, 2026. As she prepares for the role, Cassel reflects on a childhood lesson instilled by her parents: distinguishing between the artist and the person, a boundary that has been crucial in navigating the complexities of growing up in the public eye.
A Childhood Lesson in Separating Art from Life
Cassel shared with Numero that her parents emphasized the importance of recognizing the difference between their public personas as actors and their private lives as individuals. This distinction, she explains, allowed her and her sister, Léonie, to understand that fame doesn’t define intimacy and that a profession doesn’t erase one’s personal life. Growing up with two prominent actors didn’t mean growing up in an unreal environment. “They were just doing a job,” Cassel noted.
Charting Her Own Course
Initially, this upbringing led Cassel to distance herself from the world of cinema and fashion. She felt a demand for autonomy and a desire to establish her identity outside of being known as “the daughter of” her famous parents. Although, she ultimately returned to acting “Because I like it,” she stated. Her mother, Monica Bellucci, has publicly supported this freedom, and her father, Vincent Cassel, has praised her professionalism and ease on set, according to Numero.
“The Phantom of the Opera” – A Romantic Take
Castagnetti’s adaptation of The Phantom of the Opera is drawing inspiration from the Twilight saga, aiming for a relatively romantic interpretation of the story. Cassel will star alongside Julien De Saint Jean, with Romain Duris and étoile dancer Guillaume Diop also featured in the cast. Laïka Blanc-Francard (Cassandre) and Axel Auriant (Skam France) round out the leading roles. The film is also influenced by the works of Brian De Palma and Hayao Miyazaki, as well as Guillermo del Toro, according to Numero.
Recent Projects and Rising Star Status
Cassel’s career is gaining momentum with several high-profile projects. She is currently starring in Netflix’s ambitious Italian original series, “The Leopard,” based on Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa’s novel, which premiered in Rome on March 3, 2025, and was released globally on March 5, 2025 Variety reports. Her modeling career also continues to flourish, solidifying her position as a rising star in the entertainment industry.