For the first time since directingThe Bravein 1997, Johnny Depp is set to take to the director’s chair once more to helmModigliani,a story based on the life of Italian artist Amedeo Modigliani. Not only will Depp direct, but he will co-produce alongside Al Pacino and Barry Navidi.
No stranger to working behind the camera,Depp has also produced 11 features, most recently the 2020 featureCrock of Gold: A Few Rounds With Shane MacGowan. Production for the film is set to begin in 2023 in Europe, with casting details set to follow.
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Per The Hollywood Reporter, the project will be based on the play of the same name by Dennis McIntyre, adapted for the screen by Jerzy and Mary Kromolowski. The story is not a full biopic but rather, as Navidi describes it, “This is a slice of Modi’s life and not a bio.” The story takes place over 2 days of the artist’s life in 1916 Paris and chronicles some pivotal events that changed the course of his career. Modigliani regarded himself as a failure at the time, but the events of those 2 days saw the painter and sculptor reach a turning point in his life and career.
Depp’s directorial debut in 1997 saw him direct himself andthe legendary Marlon Brandoin a film revolving around the story of a recently released from jail Native American man who is given the chance to provide a payday for his family by starring in a snuff film. Speaking of the life of Modigliani, Depp said, “The saga of Mr. Modigliani’s life is one that I’m incredibly honored, and truly humbled, to bring to the screen. It was a life of great hardship, but eventual triumph — a universally human story all viewers can identify with.” The picture is being produced by his IN.2 imprint, which is the European off-shoot of his production company Infinitum Nihil.
This follows Depp’s casting as King Louis XV inJeanne du Barry, which isalso currently filming in Europe and directed by French auteurMaïwenn. The film marks Depp’s return to acting after 3 years following the extremely public and uglycourt case between him and ex-wife Amber Heard. As casting details forModiglianiare currently still under wraps, it is unclear if Depp will also appear in front of the camera, or if Pacino will make an appearance.
