“To Al, who requested that I make this film — how could I refuse Pacino?” Depp, who directed ‘Modi,’ says in a statement

Johnny Depp on set of the movie Modi. PHOTO: LEO PINTER

Johnny Depp is in director mode on the set of his upcoming movie, Modi.

The film marks Depp’s second directorial effort and features Al Pacino in its cast.

In newly-released images from the set, Pacino, 83, is seen in character as art collector Maurice Gangnat, while Depp, 60, smiles behind the camera and converses with actors with his script in hand.

“Embarking on this cinematic journey as the director of Modi has been an incredibly fulfilling and transformative experience,” Depp said in a statement.

“I would like to express my profound gratitude to the entire cast, crew, and producers for their unwavering commitment and creativity.”

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Johnny Depp (left) and Al Pacino (center) seen on the set of their new movie ‘Modi’. SAM SARKAR

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He added a special shout-out to his Oscar-winning collaborator: “To Al, who requested that I make this film — how could I refuse Pacino? A sincere acknowledgement for generously contributing his talent and dedication to this project.”

“Modi is a testament to the collaborative spirit of independent filmmaking, and I am excited to present this unique and compelling story to the world,” Depp concluded.

Written by Jerzy Kromolowski, Mary Olson-Kromolowski and Dennis McIntyre, Modi is based on McIntyre’s play about Italian artist Amedeo Modigliani.

Per a press release from Depp’s production company IN.2 Film, the movie follows the life of Modigliani “in a 48-hour whirlwind, capturing a chaotic series of events through the streets and bars of war-torn Paris during World War I.”

Johnny Depp (right) seen on set of his new movie Modi. LEO PINTER

It continues, “On the run from the police, Modi’s desire to end his career and leave the city is dismissed by fellow Bohemians. The chaos reaches a crescendo when he’s faced with a collector who could change his life.”

Playing the title role is Riccardo Scamarcio, who recently appeared in Kenneth Branagh’s A Haunting in Venice. Antonia Desplat, Bruno Gouery, Ryan McParland, Benjamin Lavernhe and Pacino costar.

Depp made his directorial debut with 1997’s Marlon Brando-starring The Brave.

In November, Depp shared to Instagram a tribute to the filmmaking team for their “exceptional efforts” upon wrapping production on Modi.

Johnny Depp in 2023. DOUG PETERS/PA IMAGES VIA GETTY IMAGES

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Actor Ryan McParland, who plays painter Chaïm Soutine in the film, also posted photos from the film’s set, including one of him and the Pirates of the Caribbean star with their arms around one another’s shoulders.

“Huge love and respect to my dear brother @johnnydepp our captain, for his unique vision, his passion, his care, and his trust — I salute you,” McParland wrote.

In May, Depp made a public appearance at the Cannes Film Festival, where his French movie Jeanne Du Barry was the festival’s opener, one year after his controversial defamation trial with ex-wife Amber Heard.

Also among Depp’s upcoming projects is the animated movie Johnny Puff: Secret Mission.