(Picture: AP)
Johnny Depp is set to direct his first film in 25 years, months after his legal victory over Amber Heard earlier this summer.
The 59-year-old, who recently concluded his multi-million dollar defamation case against his former partner Amber Heard, will co-produce alongside Hollywood great Al Pacino and Barry Navidi.
Based on the play Modigliani by Dennis McIntyre and adapted for screen by Jerzy and Mary Kromolowski, Modi will tell the story of the artist’s time in Paris in 1916.
It will offer a snapshot of a “turbulent and eventful” 48 hours during which, having long considered himself a critical and commercial failure, he solidifies himself as a creative force.
The project aims to start production in spring 2023 in Europe.
Not only will he direct the feature but also co-produce it for IN.2, beside Al Pacino and Barry Navidi.
Depp said of the project: “The saga of Mr Modigliani’s life is one that I’m incredibly honoyred, 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.”
“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,” added 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.”
Depp last directed The Brave, a 1997 movie which he also co-wrote and starred in. At present, little is known about Modigliani, and no cast has been announced.
Aside from his directorial return, the Rum Diaries actor is currently filming historical drama Jeanne Du Barry in France following the conclusion of the trial.
The film, which is directed by French filmmaker Maiwenn, follows Jeanne, a young working-class woman who uses her intelligence and allure to climb the social hierarchy, eventually landing on the radar of King Louis XV.
The cast is reported to also include Benjamin Lavernhe, Pierre Richard, Melvil Poupaud, Noemie Lvovsky, Pascal Greggory and India Hair.
