Johnny Depp ended a 25-year hiatus from directing when he took on Modi, a biopic about Italian artist Amedeo Modigliani, after receiving an unexpected call from Al Pacino. The renowned actor encouraged Depp to direct this project, which ultimately motivated him to return behind the camera.
Depp revealed that he had not planned to direct again after his sole effort, The Brave, in 1997. However, Pacino’s personal endorsement of Depp as the right person to lead the Modigliani film propelled him to accept the opportunity. This phone call marked a pivotal moment, reigniting Depp’s passion for filmmaking in a role that resonated deeply with him.
Depp’s Long-Awaited Reappearance as a Director in Modi
It had been a quarter-century since Johnny Depp last directed, with The Brave being his only previous project. Although that film divided critics, it has developed a quiet admiration over time. Now, with Modi, Depp returns with renewed focus and artistic clarity. This comeback is especially significant given the personal and legal challenges that surrounded Depp in recent years.
Despite continuing his acting career—highlighted by his lead role in Jeanne du Barry, which premiered at Cannes in 2023—Depp’s return to directing signals a new chapter. Modi reflects his evolution toward telling more grounded stories rooted in history, art, and culture, diverging from his past larger-than-life blockbuster roles. Al Pacino’s backing offers Depp both creative support and validation, reinforcing this project as a meaningful reinvention.
The Story and Impact of Modi on Depp’s Career
Modi focuses on a dramatic 48-hour segment in the life of Amedeo Modigliani, the Italian-Jewish painter and sculptor famous for his emotionally evocative portraits and tragic existence. Set in Paris during World War I, the film captures Modigliani’s flight from the police and explores his reflections on his personal history, artistic vision, and legacy.
The adaptation comes from a play by Dennis McIntyre and features a strong cast led by Riccardo Scamarcio, known for his roles in John Wick: Chapter 2 and The Best of Youth. Early reviews have praised its performances, boosting anticipation for the film’s wider release.
Depp’s connection to Modigliani is deeply personal. The artist’s complex life story and his confrontation with societal norms parallel themes Depp has frequently explored in his career and personal life. Speaking about the film, Depp said,
“Modigliani was, of course, one of the great contemporary artists of all time. But he also represented an era and point of view where new possibilities still existed. His vision fascinates me. He doggedly walked to the beat of his own drum, and possessed a natural allergy for convention during a time where the norm was being openly challenged across every medium. It would be foolish not to admit that everything Modigliani ever stood for, and continues to stand for, resonates deeply within me.” —Johnny Depp
For Depp, Modi offers a chance to reestablish himself in the film industry not as tabloid fodder but as a serious filmmaker with a distinct voice. This project embodies a break from spectacle in favor of substance, reflecting both his artistic ambition and personal redemption.
Upcoming Releases and What Modi Signals for Hollywood
Although there is no confirmed U.S. release date yet, Modi began preview screenings in Italy in December 2024, followed by previews in the UK on July 10, 2025, with a full release scheduled for July 11, 2025. The film is expected to draw interest from European and international audiences given its setting and subject matter.
Modi positions Johnny Depp for a new role in Hollywood—as a filmmaker willing to tackle challenging and nuanced characters from history, moving beyond the mainstream blockbuster roles he is known for. With Al Pacino’s encouragement and the film’s strong ensemble, Depp’s directorial return could mark a turning point in how his career evolves and how audiences perceive him going forward.
