Less than a week after outlets reported Johnny Depp‘s first film role in three years, the actor has another project lined up — this time, behind the camera. On Aug. 15, The Hollywood Reporter confirmed that Depp is set to direct “Modigliani,” a biographical drama about Italian artist Amedeo Modigliani. It will mark Depp’s first time directing a movie in 25 years. He last directed himself and Marlon Brando in 1997’s “The Brave,” which marked his feature directorial debut.
“Modigliani,” coproduced by Al Pacino and Barry Navidi, is based on writer Dennis McIntyre’s three-act 1980 play of the same name. The story, which takes place in 1916, follows the life of the painter/sculptor, who, according to The Hollywood Reporter, “long considered by himself a critical and commercial failure, navigates a turbulent and eventful 48 hours that will become a turning point in his life, ultimately solidifying his reputation as an artistic legend.” The outlet also noted that the forthcoming movie is expected to start production in the spring of 2023.
Depp’s other current Hollywood project involves portraying the controversial King Louis XV in an upcoming French period drama titled “Jeanne du Barry.” According to Deadline, production on the film kicked off on July 26, a little over a month after Depp’s defamation trial against ex-wife Amber Heard concluded.
On June 1, Virginia’s Fairfax County Circuit Court found Heard liable for defamation, which prompted a jury to award Depp $10 million in compensatory damages and $5 million in punitive damages, NBC reported. However, jurors also found Depp liable for defamation for one statement, so Heard was, in turn, awarded $2 million in compensatory damages.
Depp released a statement on social media after the trial, which read: “Six years ago, my life, the life of my children, the lives of those closest to me, and also, the lives of the people, who for many, many years have supported and believed in me were changed forever . . . False, very serious and criminal allegations were levied at me via the media, which triggered an endless barrage of hateful content, although no charges were brought against me . . . six years later, the jury gave me my life back. I am truly humbled.”
Heard also issued her own statement on Instagram, in which she wrote, “The disappointment I feel today is beyond words. I’m heartbroken that the mountain of evidence still was not enough to stand up to the disproportionate power, influence, and sway of my ex-husband. . . . I’m sad I lost this case. But I am sadder still that I seem to have lost a right I thought I had as an American — to speak freely and openly.”