Johnny Depp Directs First Movie in 25 Years; Pacino Co-Producing ‘Modigliani’ Biopic About Italian Artist
Barry Navidi also co-produces the feature, which marks the star’s first feature as director since ‘The Brave,’ starring himself and Marlon Brando.
A quarter of a century after he directed himself and Marlon Brando in 1997’s The Brave, his feature directorial debut, Depp will get behind the camera for Modigliani, about Italian artist Amedeo Modigliani, and will co-produce alongside Pacino and Barry Navidi.
Based on the play by Dennis McIntyre and adapted for the screen by Jerzy and Mary Kromolowski, the film will tell the story of the painter and sculptor in Paris in 1916. Long considered by himself a critical and commercial failure, Modigliani navigates a turbulent and eventful 48 hours that will become a turning point in his life, ultimately solidifying his reputation as an artistic legend.
Production is set to start in Europe in the spring of 2023, with casting to be revealed shortly.
“The saga of Modigliani’s life is one that I’m incredibly honored, and truly humbled, to bring to the screen,” said Depp, who produces for IN.2, the European arm of his production company Infinitum Nihil. “It was a life of great hardship, but eventual triumph — a universally human story all viewers can identify with.”
He’s also playing King Louis XV in French director Maïwenn’s historical love story Jeanne du Barry, which started shooting in late July and is Depp’s first feature in three years.
The film also marks the next collaboration between Pacino and Navidi, who have previously worked together on features including The Merchant of Venice (2004), Wilde Salomé (2011) and Salomé (2013). Both produce alongside IN.2 and Depp.
“This project has been very close to Al’s heart. Al introduced me to the play Modigliani many years ago and I instantly fell in love with it,” said Navidi. “This is a slice of Modi’s life and not a bio. It’s been a dream of mine to work with Johnny again — he’s a true artist with an amazing vision to bring this great story to the screen.”
Although he’s best known for his onscreen roles, Depp has produced 10 films, including 2011’s Hugo and, most recently, 2020’s Crock of Gold: A Few Rounds With Shane MacGowan.
