Fans were eager to know how Johnny Depp might return to his film career following his legal debacle with Amber Heard. As it turns out, Johnny Depp is coming back in a major way, pairing up with Al Pacino for a new movie.
Interestingly, however, this isn’t just any movie. The upcoming film, titled Modi, will actually be Johnny Depp’s return to directing for the first time in decades.
“The film is Depp’s first time directing since the 1997 feature ‘The Brave,'” Variety notes. They add that it’s “his first major project after his 2022 legal victory over Amber Heard” as well.
Johnny Depp will direct the film while “Al Pacino plays a supporting role as real-life French art collector Maurice Gangnat.”
Here’s the press release they shared for the upcoming picture:
“‘Modi‘ follows ‘the life of Italian artist Amedeo Modigliani in a 48-hour whirlwhind, capturing a chaotic series of events through the streets and bars of war-torn Paris during World War I. On the run from the police, Modi’s desire to end his career and leave the city is dismissed by fellow Bohemians. The chaos reaches a crescendo when he’s faced with a collector who could change his life.”
Johnny Depp also issued his statement regarding the project and working with Al Pacino:
“Embarking on this cinematic journey as the director of ‘Modi’ has been an incredibly fulfilling and transformative experience,” Depp said in a statement. “I would like to express my profound gratitude to the entire cast, crew, and producers for their unwavering commitment and creativity. To Al, who requested that I make this film — how could I refuse Pacino? A sincere acknowledgement for generously contributing his talent and dedication to this project. ‘Modi’ is a testament to the collaborative spirit of independent filmmaking, and I am excited to present this unique and compelling story to the world.”
In addition to Al Pacino, the cast for the film includes Riccardo Scamarcio, Antonia Desplat, Stephen Graham, Bruno Gouery, Ryan McParland, Luisa Ranieri and Sally Phillips.
It’s being produced by Depp’s European production company IN.2, with producer Barry Navidi. The film was written by Jerzy Kromolowski, Dennis McIntyre, and Mary Olson-Kromolowski.
Stay tuned to ScreenGeek for any additional updates regarding Modi and the work of both Johnny Depp and Al Pacino as we have them.