Johnny Depp returning to direction with the Modi biopic co-produced by Al Pacino

Johnny Depp, the Hollywood actor, is returning to the role of director with his upcoming project, “Modi”. The film is a biographical portrayal of the life of Amedeo Modigliani, an Italian artist who was affectionately referred to as “Modi”. Depp is collaborating with Al Pacino and Barry Navidi as co-producers for the movie.

Riccardo Scamarcio has been chosen to play the role of Modigliani, the lead character in the movie, while Pierre Niney will portray the French artist Maurice Utrillo. Al Pacino is set to play the role of Gangnat, an art collector. The film is scheduled to start production in Budapest during the fall, and it will be presented to potential buyers at Cannes.

The basis for the drama is Dennis McIntyre’s play, which is titled “Modigliani.”

The movie portrays a 48-hour period during which Modigliani is on the run from law enforcement officials. It is based on a script written by Jerzy and Mary Kromolowski. The plot unfolds after the protagonist seeks advice from his friend and art dealer Leopold Zborowski and meets a collector who has the potential to change his life. The movie captures the artist’s life in Paris in 1916, during a chaotic 48-hour period that ultimately solidified his place as a cultural icon.

With his European production company IN.2 Films, Johnny Depp is enthusiastic about bringing this universally relatable story to the big screen. Despite his widely publicized legal dispute with his ex-wife, Amber Heard, Depp remains positive about the film and his career. He has also been cast to play King Louis XV in Maïwenn’s French historical romance “Jeanne du Barry,” adding yet another impressive credit to his European portfolio.

Barry Navidi, who has worked with Al Pacino on numerous films, including “The Merchant of Venice” and “Salomé,” has stated that “Modi” holds special significance for Pacino. Navidi clarified that the movie is focused on a specific period of Modi’s life, rather than being a full-fledged biography. Additionally, Navidi expressed his longstanding desire to collaborate with Johnny Depp once again.

As production is set to begin in Europe in spring 2023, fans of the movie are eagerly anticipating further casting announcements. “The Veterans” will handle the worldwide distribution of the film. “Modi” marks Johnny Depp’s return to directing after a long hiatus since his last feature film directorial venture, “The Brave,” in 1997.