Current:Home > InvestJohnny Depp credits Al Pacino with his return to directing for 'Modi' film: See photos -OceanicInvest
Johnny Depp credits Al Pacino with his return to directing for 'Modi' film: See photos
View
Date:2025-04-16 20:01:39
Johnny Depp has made a return to directing for the independent film "Modi," his first notable re-emergence to the film world in the last few years.
The film, starring Riccardo Scamarcio as the Italian-born painter and sculptor Amedeo Modigliani, with Antonia Desplat and Al Pacino, marks a continued return to the spotlight for Depp following his closely watched and debated trial with ex-wife Amber Heard.
In a statement to USA TODAY, Depp, 60, credits Pacino, 83, for encouraging him to direct his first film since 1997's "The Brave." The film is currently in post-production.
"Embarking on this cinematic journey as the director of MODI has been an incredibly fulfilling and transformative experience," Depp says. "I would like to express my profound gratitude to the entire cast, crew, and producers for their unwavering commitment and creativity."
He continues: "To Al, who requested that I make this film—how could I refuse Pacino? A sincere acknowledgement (sic) 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."
Pacino and Depp previously worked together on the 1997 crime drama "Donnie Brasco."
USA TODAY has reached out to Pacino's rep for comment.
Shot largely in Budapest, the film follows the life of Modigliani, as he "navigates a turbulent and eventful 48 hours that will become a turning point in his life, solidifying his reputation as an artistic legend," according to the film's synopsis on IMDb.
The film also stars Stephen Graham, Bruno Gouery, Ryan McParland, Luisa Ranieri and Sally Phillips and is produced by Depp's European production company, IN.2, alongside producer Barry Navidi.
Depp has been relatively low profile since winning the 2022 defamation lawsuit he filed accusing Heard of defaming the "Pirates of the Caribbean" star in a 2018 op-ed, with a Virginia jury awarding him more than $10 million in damages and vindicating his stance that Heard fabricated claims that she was abused by Depp before and during their brief marriage.
Heard also partially won her countersuit over comments made by Depp's former lawyer Adam Waldman when he called her abuse allegations a hoax. The jury awarded her $2 million in damages.
The former couple reached a settlement later that year. Heard paid Depp $1 million, which he pledged to charities.
Depp has since been spotted with his band Hollywood Vampires, at Rihanna's Savage X Fenty fashion show in 2022 and at the Cannes Film Festival last year, which opened with "Jeanne du Barry" starring Depp and French actress Maïwenn and reportedly received a seven-minute standing ovation.
Contributing: Staff and wire reports
'Depp v. Heard':Answers to your burning questions after watching Netflix's new doc
veryGood! (51847)
Related
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Hi Hi!
- The pilot who died in crash after releasing skydivers near Niagara Falls has been identified
- Joe Biden Drops Out of 2024 Presidential Election
- Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich sentenced by Russian court to 16 years in prison
- How to watch new prequel series 'Dexter: Original Sin': Premiere date, cast, streaming
- How many points did Caitlin Clark score in WNBA All-Star Game?
- Joe Biden Exits Presidential Election: Naomi Biden, Jon Stewart and More React
- Maine trooper in cruiser rear-ended, injured at traffic stop, strikes vehicle he pulled over
- Nearly 400 USAID contract employees laid off in wake of Trump's 'stop work' order
- Man in custody after 4 found dead in Brooklyn apartment attack, NYPD says
Ranking
- Former Syrian official arrested in California who oversaw prison charged with torture
- Hollywood reacts to Joe Biden exiting the presidential race
- Day of chaos: How CrowdStrike outage disrupted 911 dispatches, hospitals, flights
- Tampa Bay Rays put top hitter Yandy Diaz on restricted list
- North Carolina trustees approve Bill Belichick’s deal ahead of introductory news conference
- Setback to Israel-Hamas cease-fire talks as far-right Israeli official visits contested Jerusalem holy site
- British Open Round 3 tee times: When do Scottie Scheffler, Shane Lowry tee off Saturday?
- Horoscopes Today, July 20, 2024
Recommendation
Jamie Foxx reps say actor was hit in face by a glass at birthday dinner, needed stitches
Richard Simmons' Staff Reveals His Final Message Before His Death
Man shoots and kills grizzly bear in Montana in self defense after it attacks
North Carolina’s Iconic College Town Struggles to Redevelop a Toxic Coal Ash Mound
See you latte: Starbucks plans to cut 30% of its menu
Village in southern New Mexico ravaged by wildfires last month now facing another flash flood watch
Salt Lake City wildfire prompts mandatory evacuations as more than 100 firefighters fight blaze
Louisiana’s ‘Business-Friendly’ Climate Response: Canceled Home Insurance Plans