Martin Scorsese Stuns Fans With Shocking & Unrecognizable New Look in Upcoming Crime Thriller
A striking new image has given fans their first look at Martin Scorsese in Julian Schnabel’s upcoming crime drama, In the Hand of Dante, ahead of the film’s world premiere at the Venice Film Festival.
Scorsese, primarily known for his legendary work behind the camera, has taken on a significant acting role in the movie and has undergone a complete transformation for the part, making him nearly unrecognizable in the official black-and-white portrait released by IndieWire.
Scorsese plays Isaiah, a wise mentor who appears in the 14th-century sequences of the film. The story follows the famous poet Dante Alighieri, who consults Isaiah while writing Paradiso.
According to IndieWire, Dante must visit Isaiah many times before earning his approval. The character is also guided by Guido Cavalcanti, another mentor figure, while in exile.
The film is directed by Julian Schnabel, who co-wrote the script with Louise Kugelberg. It is adapted from Nick Tosches’ 2002 novel of the same name.
The plot revolves around a handwritten manuscript of Dante’s Divine Comedy, which is discovered in the Vatican Library and eventually finds its way into the hands of a New York mob boss, intertwining historical and modern storylines.
Oscar Isaac stars as both Nick Tosches and Dante Alighieri, with Gal Gadot playing Giulietta/Gemma Donati, Gerard Butler as Louie/Pope Bonifacio, John Malkovich as Joe Black, and Jason Momoa as Rosario.
The film also features Al Pacino, Franco Nero, Sabrina Impacciatore, Louis Cancelmi, Lorenzo Zurzolo, Benjamin Clementine, and Paolo Bonacelli. Scorsese not only acts in the film but also serves as an executive producer alongside Schnabel, according to production announcements dating back to 2023.
The project has a long history. Rights to the novel were initially acquired by Johnny Depp’s production company, Infinitum Nihil, in 2008. Depp had planned to produce and star in the film. In 2011, Julian Schnabel was officially announced as director.
By 2023, Oscar Isaac replaced Depp as the lead, and additional casting announcements followed, including the addition of Scorsese to the ensemble in February 2024. Principal photography began in October 2023 in Italy, operating under a SAG-AFTRA interim agreement, allowing work to continue smoothly during union negotiations.
In the Hand of Dante will have its world premiere out of competition at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival on September 3. A leak reportedly occurred a month prior to the festival. The film combines historical fiction, literary homage, and contemporary crime drama, bringing together a diverse cast and blending multiple timelines.
Scorsese’s participation has already caught attention, not only for his striking physical transformation but also for his willingness to step in front of the camera in a story so rich with historical and literary significance.
As Schnabel explained in interviews, the character of Isaiah adds a crucial mentorship layer to Dante’s journey, emphasizing guidance, wisdom, and the challenges of artistic creation.
This project promises to be a major cinematic event, uniting celebrated actors and filmmakers in an ambitious adaptation. With its Venice premiere approaching, anticipation is high for how Scorsese will deliver as an actor, and fans are eager to see the interplay between historical and modern storylines.
What do you think about Martin Scorsese taking on such a major acting role after decades behind the camera? Share your thoughts in the comments.
