Johnny Depp is making his directorial return with ‘Modi,’ a biographical feature about Italian artist Amedeo Modigliani, also known as ‘Modi’. The film is co-produced by Depp, Al Pacino, and Barry Navidi.
Modigliani will be played by Riccardo Scamarcio, French artist Maurice Utrillo will be portrayed by Pierre Niney, and Pacino will play art collector Gangnat.
In the autumn, production is scheduled to commence in Budapest, and the project will be presented to potential investors in Cannes.
The drama is based on Dennis McIntyre’s play titled ‘Modigliani.’
It follows Modigliani’s departure from the city while being pursued by law enforcement officers within 48 hours. The Jerzy and Mary Kromolowski collaboration penned it.
Chaos ensues after the protagonist seeks advice from his friend and art dealer Leopold Zborowski regarding a potentially life-altering collector.
The film portrays the artist’s life in Paris in 1916, where 48 tumultuous hours became a defining moment that cemented his status as a cultural icon.
Johnny Depp, producing for his European production company IN.2 Films, is excited to bring this universally human tale to the big screen. Depp is optimistic about the film and his career despite his highly publicized legal dispute with his ex-wife, Amber Heard.
In addition, Depp will portray King Louis XV in Mawenn’s French historical romance ‘Jeanne du Barry,’ adding yet another chapter to his formidable European filmography.
Barry Navidi, who has worked with Al Pacino on numerous films, including ‘The Merchant of Venice’ and ‘Salomé,’ has stated that ‘Modi’ is a significant undertaking for Pacino.
Navidi clarified that the film is not a biography but rather depicts a portion of Modi’s existence. Additionally, he expressed his longstanding desire to work with Johnny again.
As production begins in Europe in the spring of 2023, additional casting announcements are anticipated. The Veterans will manage worldwide distribution. Fans avidly anticipate Depp’s return to directing with ‘Modi,’ which will be his first feature-length film since ‘The Brave’ (1997).
