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Entertainment • TV Series

Irma Vep

Irma Vep is a 2022 comedy-drama television miniseries created, written, and directed by Olivier Assayas for HBO.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Irma Vep is a 2022 comedy-drama television miniseries created, written, and directed by Olivier Assayas for HBO. Based on Assayas’s 1996 film of the same name, the series stars Alicia Vikander as Mira, an American movie star who travels to France to star in a remake of the silent-era serial Les Vampires.

Premise

The story centres on Mira, a disillusioned American movie star who joins a French production remaking the silent serial Les Vampires. As the production unfolds, the line between Mira’s life and her on-screen role begins to blur.

Production

Irma Vep was created, written, and directed by Olivier Assayas, who also made the 1996 film on which the series is based. The miniseries was produced for HBO and premiered at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival before its television debut.

Cast

Alicia Vikander leads the series as Mira, with Vincent Macaigne as René Vidal, the director of the remake. The cast also includes additional ensemble performers in the French production and Mira’s personal life.

Release and availability

The series premiered on June 6, 2022, after a Cannes Film Festival premiere on May 22, 2022. In the U.S., it has been offered on HBO Max / Max, with other regional availability depending on local streaming services. For Canadian viewers, Irma Vep was noted by Canadian media as airing on Crave in Canada.

Key facts

  • The series is a television adaptation/reimagining of Assayas’s 1996 film Irma Vep.
  • It follows Mira, an American actor who travels to France to star in a remake of Les Vampires.
  • Alicia Vikander plays Mira, and Vincent Macaigne plays René, the director of the production.
  • The series debuted on June 6, 2022, and ran for eight episodes.
  • It is available on HBO Max / Max in the United States.
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Canadian context

For Canadian viewers, Irma Vep was noted by Canadian media as airing on Crave in Canada.[10]

Frequently asked questions

What is Irma Vep about?
It follows Mira, an American movie star who goes to France to star in a remake of the silent film serial Les Vampires, while her identity and the role start to blur together.
Who directed Irma Vep?
Olivier Assayas directed the series; he also created and wrote it.
Is Irma Vep a TV series or movie?
It is a TV miniseries, not a movie.
Who stars in Irma Vep?
Alicia Vikander stars as Mira, and Vincent Macaigne plays René Vidal.
What year did Irma Vep come out?
It debuted in 2022.
Where can I watch Irma Vep?
It is available on HBO Max / Max in the United States; availability in other countries varies by region and service.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irma_Vep_(miniseries)
    Supports: Series format, premise, creator/director, cast, premiere and episode count
  2. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/irma_vep/s01
    Supports: Series premise, director credit, and release date
  3. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt13649314/
    Supports: TV miniseries classification and 2022 release
  4. HBO Max — https://www.hbomax.com/shows/irma-vep/10491659-4d1c-45af-8ab2-2774fbd3f48e
    Supports: Availability on HBO Max and release year
  5. Apple TV — https://tv.apple.com/ve/show/irma-vep/umc.cmc.5p29bqaamnwieihxe23cbd30?l=en
    Supports: Written and directed by Olivier Assayas; series premise
  6. The Ringer — https://www.theringer.com/tv/2022/6/6/23156006/irma-vep-tv-series-olivier-assayas-alicia-vikander
    Supports: Eight-part miniseries, premise, and main cast
  7. The Globe and Mail — https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/television/article-the-tart-pleasure-of-irma-vep-actors-all-angst-and-no-sense/
    Supports: Canadian availability on Crave and series context