Martin Scorsese takes on the role of Dante Alighieri’s mentor in the upcoming drama film In The Hand of Dante, directed by Julian Schnabel. The movie is set to debut at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival on September 3, 2025, drawing attention for its notable cast and literary foundation.
Premiere Date and Festival Screening Details
In The Hand of Dante will have its world premiere out of competition at the Venice International Film Festival in 2025. Julian Schnabel, acclaimed for his previous work including At Eternity’s Gate, directs this adaptation of Nick Tosches’ 2002 novel. While the festival screening is confirmed for early September, no official release date or distributor has been announced for broader theatrical distribution, although a U.S. release is expected after Venice.
An Ensemble Cast Led by Oscar Isaac and Featuring Scorsese
The film boasts an impressive lineup, with Oscar Isaac starring in the lead dual role of Nick Tosches and Dante Alighieri. Martin Scorsese appears in a significant supporting role, portraying the wise mentor to Dante during the composition of The Divine Comedy. The supporting cast includes high-profile names such as Gal Gadot, Jason Momoa, Gerard Butler, Sabrina Impacciatore, Al Pacino, John Malkovich, Franco Nero, Fortunato Cerlino, and Lorenzo Zurzolo.
Gal Gadot is reported to play the characters Giulietta and Gemma Donati, with some other character details still under wraps. Louis Cancelmi is expected to portray a dual role as Lefty and Guido da Polenta, while Benjamin Clementine is rumored to take on the role of Mephistopheles in the film.
Plot Overview: Two Intertwined Narratives Across Time
Based on Nick Tosches’ novel, In The Hand of Dante interweaves two parallel stories. One storyline follows a fictionalized version of Tosches, who is tasked with verifying the authenticity of a newly discovered manuscript said to be an original version of Dante’s The Divine Comedy. This manuscript falls into the possession of a New York City mob boss, sparking a tense and dangerous chain of events.
Simultaneously, the film depicts Dante Alighieri’s efforts in the 14th century to complete The Divine Comedy, guided by the mentor character played by Scorsese. This dual narrative structure connects historical literary creation with contemporary crime drama, promising a deeply layered and gripping cinematic experience.
Significance and Expectations Ahead of the Venice Premiere
The collaboration between director Julian Schnabel and a star-studded cast, including veteran filmmaker Martin Scorsese in an acting role, has generated considerable anticipation. The film’s exploration of literary history alongside a modern-day thriller narrative creates a unique premise that could attract diverse audiences at Venice and beyond.
As the festival premiere approaches, viewers and critics alike will be watching closely to assess how Scorsese’s portrayal of Dante’s mentor enriches the drama. The film’s release may also reignite interest in Tosches’ novel and the enduring legacy of Dante Alighieri’s work within contemporary culture.
