JOHNNY DEPP TO DIRECT FEATURE FILM "MODIGLIANI" FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 25 YEARS

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By Adeniyi Onaara

For the first time in more than 20 years, Johnny Depp will take the helm of a feature picture.

Johnny Depp is preparing to helm his first full-length movie in 25 years, only months after winning his defamation case against his ex-wife Amber Heard.

The project, which is being produced by Al Pacino and Barry Navidi, will follow the life of the Italian painter Amedeo Modigliani.

In the movie, Modigliani, “long considered by himself a critical and financial failure, navigates a chaotic and exciting 48 hours that will prove a turning point in his life, ultimately cementing his legacy as an artistic legend,” according to Variety.

Depp said in a statement, “I’m immensely honored, and profoundly humbled, to bring the drama of Mr. Modigliani’s life to the movie. It was a life marked by extreme adversity and eventual triumph—a universally human story that all viewers can relate to.

“This initiative has been very dear to Al’s heart,” continued Navidi. Many years ago, Al first showed me the play Modigliani, and I fell in love with it right away.

This is not a biography, just a snapshot of Modi’s life. Working with Johnny once more has always been a dream of mine since he is a true artist with a wonderful vision for bringing this fantastic story to the big screen.

Depp has not acted since appearing in the 2020 independent film, Minamata, in which he played war photographer W. Eugene Smith. In the time since, he’s been booted from Fantastic Beast: The Secrets of Dumbledore.

The Brave, which was so badly received by critics that it was never released in theaters, was the last movie that Depp directed.

Depp will play King Louis XV in French filmmaker Mawenn’s next feature Jeanne du Barry in addition to helming the new Modigliani picture.