Johnny Depp, a prominent figure in media circles, announced on Monday that he will direct a new film titled Modigliani, coming 25 years after his last behind‑the‑camera project, The Brave.
The movie, planned to begin filming in Europe next spring, is a joint production with Al Pacino. Casting details have not yet been revealed.
Based on Dennis McIntyre’s stage play, the narrative follows the life of the artist Amedeo Modigliani during the early 20th century, tracing the turbulence that shaped him into a legend in Italian painting and sculpture.
universal human story
Depp described Modigliani’s life as a remarkable journey, marked by struggle and ultimate triumph. He noted that the story resonates on a deeply human level and will speak to audiences widely, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter.
The screenplay will be adapted by Jerzy and Mary Kromolowski, reuniting Pacino with Iranian producer Barry Navidi, a duo known for collaborations on projects like The Merchant of Venice (2004) and Wilde Salomé (2011), which drew strong critical attention.
The project is produced for Infinitum Nihil, Depp’s European‑based production arm. It marks a return to the creative side for the actor after his earlier foray into directing with The Brave (1997), directed by Marlon Brando and featuring Depp in a standout role.
Earlier reporting in July indicated Depp’s return to acting as well, with plans to portray King Louis XV in Jeanne du Barry, a historical drama directed by Maïwenn. This marks another chapter in the actor’s prolific career on screen.
back to normal
Depp appears keen to reestablish himself as a leading creative force in cinema after years of high‑profile legal disputes. The defamation case involving his ex‑partner Amber Heard generated extensive coverage, including a widely noted Washington Post piece in which Depp claimed domestic violence.
The court ultimately found that three statements by Heard were false and issued a verdict in Depp’s favor, including damages awarded to the actor. A separate decision related to statements by Heard’s attorney also drew attention in the media landscape.
With Modigliani poised to move forward, Depp seems to be stepping back into a steady rhythm of productions across Europe, balancing acting and directing duties. His ongoing projects and past work in films such as Sweeney Todd and Hugo illustrate a versatile career that continues to evolve beyond the spotlight, with the ensemble around Modigliani promising to bring a fresh, ambitious interpretation of the artist’s life.