Johnny Depp Smiles on Red Carpet at London Premiere of Modi, the First Film He’s Directed in Over 20 Years

Riccardo Scamarcio and Al Pacino star in the chaotic biopic set in 1916 Paris.

Johnny Depp.

Johnny Depp stepped out for the U.K. red carpet premiere for his latest film Modi: Three Days on the Wing of Madness.

The star, 62, hit the carpet at The Curzon Mayfair in London on Tuesday, July 8, wearing his signature sunglasses and scarf while in an all-black tailored pants and jacket.

This marks the first movie Depp has directed in over 20 years, his last being 1997’s The Brave starring Marlon Brando.

The film is based on Dennis McIntyre’s play about Italian painter Amedeo Modigliani.

Riccardo Scamarcio, 44, plays the titular artist, while Al Pacino, 85, plays art collector Maurice Gangnat.

Johnny Depp attends the UK Premiere of ‘Modì, Three Days on the Wing of Madness.’.
A trailer released in October 2024 immerses viewers into 1916 Paris, when the art world was at a turning point.

“Just because you can paint on a canvas does not make you an artist,” Pacino’s character challenges Modigliani.

“Doesn’t even make you a painter.”.

Also starring Stephen Graham and Antonia Desplat, Modi captures “a chaotic series of events through the streets and bars of war-torn Paris during World War I,” according to a press release from Depp’s production company, IN.2 Film.

“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.”.

“Embarking on this cinematic journey as the director of Modi has been an incredibly fulfilling and transformative experience,” Depp, 61, previously said in a statement in January.

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

In reference to longtime friend Pacino, he added, “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.”.

Speaking with PEOPLE about their collaboration, Pacino called the Pirates of the Caribbean star “very creative, and it was fun to work with him….

He would just say, ‘Here we are.

A couple of toddlers.’ He’s wild.

He’s wonderful.

Johnny Depp on the set of ‘Modi: Three Days on the Wing of Madness.’.

During a San Sebastian Film Festival press conference held Sept. 24, Depp alluded to his defamation trial with ex-wife Amber Heard in explaining how he personally related to Modigliani.

“Each has their story.

Sure, we can say that I’ve been through a number of things here and there,” he said in a video shared by The Hollywood Reporter.

“I think we’ve all been through a number of things, ultimately. Maybe yours wasn’t, didn’t turn into a soap opera, televised, in fact.”.

Depp next stars in Day Drinker alongside Penélope Cruz and Madelyn Cline.

Modi also stars Ryan McParland, Bruno Gouery, and Luisa Ranieri. Following premieres at San Sebastián and the Rome Film Festival, it’ll be in theaters in 2025.