Florent Peyre stars in the thrilling new series *Commandant Saint-Barth*, debuting this Thursday on TF1 and TF1+. He plays Gabriel Saint-Barthélémy, a Parisian officer returning to his Caribbean roots to solve a mystery tied to his father’s disappearance. Combining humor with action, Peyre embraces the character’s depth and complexity while filming in beautiful Guadeloupe. The series highlights his journey as he explores both comedic and emotional scenes, promising a captivating viewing experience.
Introducing Florent Peyre in Commandant Saint-Barth
Get ready for an exhilarating new series, *Commandant Saint-Barth*, premiering this Thursday night on TF1 and available for streaming on TF1+. In this captivating show, Florent Peyre takes on the role of Gabriel Saint-Barthélémy, a Parisian police officer with roots on a picturesque Caribbean island. He returns to his childhood home, a luxurious resort once managed by his father, who vanished under the shadow of a murder accusation. Now, after seventeen years, Gabriel finds himself back at the scene of his past, employing his unique investigative style that involves stepping into the victim’s shoes. This explosive combination of humor and action marks Peyre’s first significant leading role, and he’s eager to capture the hearts of viewers.
The Thrill of Leading a TF1 Series
**Florent Peyre:** “It’s an exhilarating experience! I’m thrilled to be in this position. Upon reading the initial episodes, I instantly connected with the character of Saint-Barth. The type of pressure I feel is inspiring; it drives me to strive for excellence, to improve, and to honor the responsibility that comes with such a role.”
**If I had penned a series, it would have been this one.** *Florent Peyre*
When asked if the character was tailored for him, Peyre humorously noted, “I thought so… but no! To be completely transparent, I called my agent after reading the script and declared, ‘Saint-Barth is me!’. While I knew it wasn’t initially created for me, if I had to write a series, it would definitely feature a character like this. His vibrant energy and optimism resonate with me. Yet, he’s not just a comic relief; he has depth and flaws. After years in this industry, I understand the layers I can portray. This role encapsulates everything I aspire to achieve: a blend of action and comedy, echoing the essence of iconic characters like Magnum, Bebel, OSS 117, and even Mel Gibson in *Lethal Weapon* and *Beverly Hills Cop*. I revisited these influences and spent months preparing to create a bond with the entire team.”
Despite the project existing before his involvement, Peyre still had to audition. “I did audition, but it felt more than just a simple tryout. They knew it was me, but they needed to persuade others as well, as many voices help shape the decision. I came prepared with various costumes to showcase Saint-Barth’s adaptability in crime scenes, whether as a waiter, dancer, or tennis player. I even brought a floral shirt and sunglasses for one of the scenes! I gave it my all… and thankfully, it paid off.”
Filming in the stunning backdrop of Guadeloupe was another highlight for Peyre. “How could I say no? (laughs) While some might not enjoy the sun or the heat, I thrive in it! I have a history of sports studies in Saint-Raphaël, where I engaged in water skiing until my late twenties. Learning about the filming location made me even more enthusiastic! Living just steps away from the sets was a dream; I would wake up and head to work by the beach… far better than commuting on the subway! (laughs). When filming wasn’t close by, I enjoyed scenic drives through sugar cane fields. After long days, I even had the chance to swim before heading home, especially since I needed to stay fit for those shirtless scenes.”
And yes, those scenes require more than just being shirtless. “Absolutely! (laughs) I took great joy in getting in shape for the demanding action sequences and stunts, including some nude scenes. I wanted viewers to feel they got their money’s worth!”
When asked about his aspirations beyond comedy, Peyre reflected, “Reading *Commandant Saint-Barth* made me excited to explore emotional scenes and show that my character is more than just a comedic figure. I appreciate portraying his imperfections and being able to delve into those aspects. Comedy brings me joy, and I love making people laugh, especially during challenging times. When fans share how my work has positively impacted their lives, that’s the greatest reward. If a serious role comes my way, I would embrace it wholeheartedly and grow through the experience. Absolutely.”
Catch *Commandant Saint-Barth* featuring Florent Peyre, Yannig Samot, and Philypa Phoenix, airing Thursdays at 9:10 PM on TF1 and TF1+.