Johnny Depp is taking on a new role as a director in his latest film project, 'Modi,' which also features acclaimed actor Al Pacino and Italian star Luisa Ranieri.
The movie has commenced shooting in Budapest, Hungary.
'Modi' marks Johnny Depp's return to the director's chair 25 years after his previous directorial endeavour, 'The Brave,' in which he co-starred with Marlon Brando, as reported by 'Variety.'
Depp's most recent acting role was as Louis XV in Maïwenn’s 'Jeanne Du Barry,' following his high-profile 2022 defamation trial against ex-wife Amber Heard, which garnered significant media attention.
Based on Dennis McIntyre’s play of the same name, 'Modì' has been adapted for the screen by Jerzy and Mary Kromolowski.
The film's narrative unfolds in war-torn Paris during World War I, spanning 48 tumultuous hours.
Al Pacino is not only starring in 'Modì' but also producing the film alongside his long-time manager and producer, Barry Navidi. IN.2, the European arm of the production company Infinitum Nihil, is providing backing for the project. Italy’s ILBE Group, led by Andrea Iervolino and Monika Bacardi, has also joined as producers.
Luisa Ranieri portrays Rosalie, the proprietor of an Italian café in Paris, famously painted by Modigliani.
In the lore surrounding the dissolute Italian artist, Rosalie also served as a motherly figure, caring for Modigliani during his moments of inebriation or financial destitution.
Al Pacino takes on the role of Maurice Gangnat, an international art collector. The film's newly added cast members include Antonia Desplat, Stephen Graham, Bruno Gouery, Ryan McParland, Benjamin Lavernhe, Sally Phillips, and Matt Wolf.
This marks Barry Navidi's fourth collaboration with Al Pacino, having previously worked together on 'The Merchant of Venice' (2004), 'Wilde Salome' (2011), and 'Salome' (2013).
After several weeks in Budapest, where the city stands in for Paris, the 'Modi' production is expected to transition to Italy for filming.
