Actor Johnny Depp continues to make a comeback following the conclusion of his much-publicized defamation lawsuit against his ex-wife Amber Heard, with the Pirates of the Caribbean star set to direct a biopic about the Italian artist Amedeo Modigliani. Aptly titled Modigliani. As per a report by THR, Depp will also co-produce the project alongside acting legend Al Pacino and Barry Navidi.
“The saga of Mr. Modigliani’s life is one that I’m incredibly honored, and truly humbled, to bring to the screen,” Depp said. “It was a life of great hardship, but eventual triumph — a universally human story all viewers can identify with.” Depp will produce Modigliani for IN.2, the European branch of his production company Infinitum Nihil.
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Modigliani will be based on the play by Dennis McIntyre, which has been adapted for the screen by Jerzy and Mary Kromolowski. The film will reportedly tell the story of the painter and sculptor during his time spent in Paris in 1916. “Long considered by himself a critical and commercial failure, Modigliani navigates a turbulent and eventful 48 hours that will become a turning point in his life, ultimately solidifying his reputation as an artistic legend,” the report by THR reveals.
Production on the project is expected to begin in Europe sometime in the spring of 2023, with casting due to be revealed soon. Modigliani finds Depp behind the camera as director for the first time in 25 years. Depp last helmed the neo-western The Brave way, way back in 1997, and finds Depp starring alongside Marlon Brando.
Modigliani will also reunite the talents of Al Pacino and producer Barry Navidi, with the pair having previously collaborated on the likes of The Merchant of Venice (2004), Wilde Salomé (2011) and Salomé (2013). “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,” Navidi said. “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.”
Modigliani Marks Johnny Depp’s Second Major Project Following His Defamation Lawsuit Against Amber Heard
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Modigliani is the second major Johnny Depp project based in Europe, with actor set to play King Louis XV in the upcoming Jeanne du Barry, which was previously titled La Favorite. Depp will star in alongside Maïwenn, who will direct the movie as well as star as the titular Madame du Barry.
Jeanne du Barry is currently filming in several locations around France, including Versailles and chateaux in and around Paris. The movie itself will reportedly be inspired by the life of “young working class” Jeanne du Barry, who is “hungry for culture and pleasure and who uses her intelligence and allure to climb the rungs of the social ladder one by one.” The story will tell of how she became the favorite companion of Louis XV, and how the pair’s love leads to scandal when she moves to Versailles against all etiquette.
Jeanne du Barry is scheduled to premiere in French theaters in 2023 and will be available on Netflix’s French platform only 15 months after its theatrical release.
