Johnny Depp to Direct First Movie in 25 Years; Godfather director Al Pacino Co-Producing it

The Hollywood Reporter has learned that Johnny Depp has secured his first role as a film director in 25 years. Although Depp is best recognized for his on-screen work, he has also produced 10 movies, most notably Crock of Gold: A Few Rounds alongside Shane MacGowan in 2020.

Depp will helm Modigliani, a film on Italian artist Amedeo Modigliani, twenty-five years after he co-directed it with Marlon Brando in 1997’s The Brave, his feature directorial debut. He will also co-produce the film with Al Pacino and Barry Navidi.

Depp will helm Modigliani, a film on Italian artist Amedeo Modigliani, twenty-five years after he and Marlon Brando co-starred in The Brave, his feature directorial debut. He will also co-produce the film with Al Pacino and Barry Navidi.

The movie tells the tale of the painter and sculptor in Paris in 1916 and is based on the play by Dennis McIntyre that Jerzy and Mary Kromolowski adapted for the screen. Modigliani, who had previously regarded himself as a critical and financial failure, experiences a tumultuous and exciting 48 hours that will ultimately serve as a turning point in his life and confirm his status as an artistic legend. THR is informed that casting will be made public soon, and that production will begin in Europe in the spring of 2023.

“The saga of Mr. 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.”