Martin Scorsese Explains Why He Didn’t Direct “Cleopatra”

Martin Scorsese has shed light on the shelved historical epic Cleopatra, which was slated to star Angelina Jolie in the title role. According to the acclaimed filmmaker, the project was well into pre-production before being completely derailed by the massive 2014 cyberattack on Sony Pictures.

The director reflected on the unmade film during a conversation with his daughter, Francesca, as part of the Tribeca Crafty interview series. Scorsese revealed that Eric Roth’s screenplay was fully completed, Jolie had officially signed on to portray the Egyptian queen, and cameras were nearly ready to roll.

Scorsese attributes the downfall of the venture to the fallout surrounding the controversial comedy The Interview, starring Seth Rogen and James Franco. That satirical film, which depicted a plot to assassinate North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, provoked intense backlash from Pyongyang. Shortly afterward, Sony Pictures suffered a devastating security breach that leaked confidential executive emails to the public.

Among the leaked correspondence were harsh remarks from producer Scott Rudin regarding Angelina Jolie, alongside skeptical assessments concerning the financial viability of such a high-budget production.

Source: Film.ru