Johnny Depp to Direct Amedeo Modigliani Biopic

Less than every week after shops reported Johnny Depp‘s first movie function in three years, the actor has one other challenge lined up — this time, behind the digicam. On Aug. 15, The Hollywood Reporter confirmed that Depp is about to direct “Modigliani,” a biographical drama about Italian artist Amedeo Modigliani. It will mark Depp’s first time directing a film in 25 years. He final directed himself and Marlon Brando in 1997’s “The Brave,” which marked his function directorial debut.

“Modigliani,” coproduced by Al Pacino and Barry Navidi, is predicated on author Dennis McIntyre’s three-act 1980 play of the identical title. The story, which takes place in 1916, follows the lifetime of the painter/sculptor, who, in accordance to The Hollywood Reporter, “lengthy thought of by himself a vital and business failure, navigates a turbulent and eventful 48 hours that can change into a turning level in his life, in the end solidifying his fame as an inventive legend.” The outlet additionally famous that the forthcoming film is predicted to begin manufacturing within the spring of 2023.

Depp’s different present Hollywood challenge includes portraying the controversial King Louis XV in an upcoming French interval drama titled “Jeanne du Barry.” According to Deadline, manufacturing on the movie kicked off on July 26, a little bit over a month after Depp’s defamation trial in opposition to ex-wife Amber Heard concluded.

On June 1, Virginia’s Fairfax County Circuit Court discovered Heard responsible for defamation, which prompted a jury to award Depp $10 million in compensatory damages and $5 million in punitive damages, NBC reported. However, jurors additionally discovered Depp responsible for defamation for one assertion, so Heard was, in flip, awarded $2 million in compensatory damages.

Depp launched an announcement on social media after the trial, which learn: “Six years in the past, my life, the lifetime of my youngsters, the lives of these closest to me, and in addition, the lives of the individuals, who for a lot of, a few years have supported and believed in me had been modified without end . . . False, very severe and legal allegations had been levied at me through the media, which triggered an limitless barrage of hateful content material, though no expenses had been introduced in opposition to me . . . six years later, the jury gave me my life again. I’m really humbled.”

Heard additionally issued her personal assertion on Instagram, wherein she wrote, “The disappointment I really feel at the moment is past phrases. I’m heartbroken that the mountain of proof nonetheless was not sufficient to get up to the disproportionate energy, affect, and sway of my ex-husband. . . . I’m unhappy I misplaced this case. But I’m sadder nonetheless that I appear to have misplaced a proper I believed I had as an American — to converse freely and overtly.”