Herrero, whose Parisian talent agency series has captivated audiences around the world and received widespread acclaim, admitted that she initially felt overwhelmed by the enormity of the task at hand. “My first reflex was that the job was too big and too beautiful for me. I was scared,” Herrero told Le Monde. 

“Then I said to myself that it was a unique adventure in life.” The enormity of the opportunity, with the weight of the Olympic Games as a backdrop, was both daunting and exhilarating for the celebrated writer.

The opening ceremony, scheduled to take place on 26 July, 2024, is set to be a spectacular event that will highlight France’s rich historical heritage as well as universal human rights. Herrero described the vision for the ceremony as one that seeks to illuminate France's past while also celebrating its values on the global stage. 

“The ceremony will highlight France’s history and universal human rights without ‘lecturing people,’” Herrero said, emphasising a balance between homage and inspiration. “The Paris Games will start with a historic parade on the Seine, where 6,000-7,000 athletes will sail six kilometers down the river on boats.”

Leila Slimani, whose Lullaby was a global bestseller and earned her the prestigious Prix Goncourt, spoke of her excitement and sense of honor in being part of this historic moment. Slimani referred to the opportunity as a “huge honour” and expressed her enthusiasm for creating a ceremony that will be vibrant and engaging.

She promised that the event would be filled with “joy, emulation, movement, excitement and sparkle,” intentionally steering away from what she described as “famous philosophical values that France displays sometimes with a bit too much self-assurance.” Slimani's vision for the ceremony is to embrace the celebratory and dynamic spirit of the Games, focusing on a positive and inclusive representation of French culture.

Joining Herrero and Slimani in the creative team for the ceremony is historian Patrick Boucheron, who brings a scholarly perspective to the project. Boucheron offered a critique of the Beijing 2008 opening ceremony, which he characterised as “a history lesson addressed to the world” and a “display of power.”

In contrast, Boucheron envisions the Paris 2024 ceremony as a more interactive and reciprocal experience. “Our event will speak of the world to France and of France to the world,” Boucheron said, highlighting the goal of creating a dialogue between nations rather than merely showcasing French grandeur.

Director Thomas Jolly, known for his imaginative and innovative theatrical productions, hinted at the creative and potentially surprising elements that will be featured in the ceremony. Jolly suggested that the spectacle would encompass “not only the banks of the river and bridges but the sky as well. And the water. Who knows, there might be a submarine.”