Costumed Protesters Defy French Police as Student Unrest Escalates
From Gandalf to Black Panther, demonstrators in France use superhero personas to challenge the state's strict anti-mask enforcement amid a national education crisis.
By Jason Kovalenko ·
Hippolyte Leibovici, a 29-year-old filmmaker, arrived at the Paris demonstrations dressed as Gandalf from The Lord of the Rings. Standing before riot police deploying water cannons, the character shouted the iconic line, "You shall not pass!" Leibovici, who directed the film Mother's, joined a growing contingent of costumed demonstrators who have become a visual symbol of France's ongoing social unrest. His disguise serves a dual purpose: it generates viral social media content and opens conversations with the high school students leading the movement.
The theatrical protests mirror the pageantry of the French Revolution, where classical costumes signaled political defiance. However, the Paris Police Prefecture has moved to suppress these "secret identities." Ahead of the October 31 demonstration, authorities announced they would strictly enforce a 2010 anti-mask law. Violators face a 150-euro fine, while those carrying replica weapons risk a 45,000-euro penalty and up to three years in prison.
Leibovici argues that the costumed participants represent a tiny fraction of the crowd. He estimates they make up less than 1 percent of the total protesters. The movement began when students returned to overcrowded, teacherless classrooms after Europe's extended heatwaves damaged school infrastructure. Issues include leaking roofs, rodents, and a lack of heating. Students also fear that artificial intelligence will render their future careers obsolete before they even graduate.
The unrest has turned violent. By October 5, student unions called for national action, and police violence escalated. A 15-year-old student lost a hand to an exploding stun grenade, while a 14-year-old suffered a fractured jaw. By October 8, 6,600 students, mostly under 18, had been arrested. Leibovici described the scene as a "normal Saturday," noting that protesters have grown accustomed to tear gas and physical injury.
Other demonstrators use costumes to reclaim cultural symbols. Luca Kraether and Thomas Honoré, business partners in Montpellier, appear as knights to challenge far-right associations with medieval imagery. Kreezy, a 37-year-old personal trainer, dresses as Black Panther to represent the protection of his community. BaddyDeadpool, a content creator from Lyon, uses his Deadpool persona to symbolize freedom of expression. He noted that he is not there for violence, but believes the police response of batons and tear gas is disproportionate.
Despite the warnings, the police did not always act on the law. On October 31, BaddyDeadpool stood near officers without being asked to remove his mask. He later said the police acted smartly because they did not view him as a threat. The costumed protesters believe their presence brings joy and light to a dark moment in French history. They view humor and satire as essential tools that do not diminish the seriousness of the struggle.
The protests show no sign of slowing down. French students have defied orders to remain home and are marching daily. France is preparing for a nationwide strike on November 5, with major demonstrations planned in Paris, Montpellier, Lyon, and Toulouse. Leibovici, the Gandalf impersonator, confirmed he will return to the front line for the upcoming events.
