“Atoman” is a feature film directed by Anouar Moatassim, released in theaters on April 23, 2025, in Morocco. It marks a significant milestone for Moroccan cinema by introducing, for the first time, a Moroccan superhero on the big screen. While Marvel has been highlighting heroes from Africa and Asia in recent years — Black Panther, Scarlet Scarab, Kamala Khan, Shang-Chi, Gilgamesh, Sersi, Yukio — none had ever hailed from the Maghreb, much to the dismay of North Africans eager to see a hero who resembles them.
The lead role, Hakim Imlil, is played by Lartiste, making his cinematic debut. He is joined by Samy Naceri, Sarah Perles, Raouia, Rabii Skali, and Mourade Zeguendi. “Atoman” is produced by Aisha Abouzid and distributed by First Poly Production.
Currently showing exclusively in Morocco, an international release is reportedly planned according to the film’s team. For now, audiences in France can only view the trailer, which has been available for a few weeks. Some scenes featured in the trailer draw heavily from classic superhero themes: discovering powers, learning to master them, the struggle for societal acceptance, and the battle against a formidable enemy.
Synopsis
Hakim Imlil is a hacker wanted for breaching pharmaceutical servers to make COVID-19 treatments accessible. Arrested by Interpol, he is handed over to Moroccan authorities and agrees to cooperate with the cybercrime unit to avoid prison. During an investigation, Hakim discovers that he descends from an ancient bloodline endowed with supernatural powers.
The film was shot in various iconic Moroccan locations, including the Friouato caves and the Noor Solar Plant in Ouarzazate.
The soundtrack is composed by DJ Van and features diverse contributions, including one from Soprano. It blends urban styles with traditional rhythms, reflecting the rich diversity of Moroccan identity.
