Johnny Depp is making hay while the sun shines on him, the hay being his first film as a director in 25 years. The feature film will be based on the Italian artist Amedeo Modigliani, co-produced by legendary actor Al Pacino. Depp, who made his directorial debut with the 1997 film The Brave, will go behind the camera this time with Modigliani. The Hollywood Reporter shared, ‘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.’
There is no news on the cast of the film yet. Still, considering the success rate of the Depp Effect, I am confident this is a blockbuster in the pipeline. ‘The saga of Mr. Modigliani’s life is one that I’m incredibly honored and truly humbled to bring to the screen,’ Depp told The Hollywood Reporter. ‘It was a life of great hardship, but eventual triumph — a universally human story all viewers can identify with.’ Depp and Al Pacino are joining hands with Barry Navidi (the latter have collaborated on the Merchant of Venice and Wilde Salomé). The trip will commence work on the movie in Europe in spring 2023.
‘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. 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.’
