In the Hand of Dante
Overview
One manuscript. Two timelines. One actor playing both the man who wrote it and the man hired to steal it.
The modern thread runs in black and white. The medieval thread, where Dante navigates exile, political turmoil and the obsessive creation of his masterpiece under the philosophical guidance of Isaiah, played by Martin Scorsese, is shot in rich colour in Italy. Jason Momoa plays the mob's vicious fixer Rosario. Gal Gadot appears as Giulietta, Nick's past love. Al Pacino plays Uncle Carmine
Two men separated by seven centuries, both lost in pursuit of love, beauty, and the divine. The manuscript connects them whether they know it or not.
Cast
Oscar Isaac
Gal Gadot
Gerard Butler
John Malkovich
Louis Cancelmi
Sabrina Impacciatore
Franco Nero
Benjamin Clémentine
Fun Facts
- The journey to get this film made spans nearly 20 years. Way back in December 2008, Johnny Depp’s production company, Infinitum Nihil, acquired the rights to the novel, with Depp fully intending to produce and star as Nick Tosches. Director Julian Schnabel boarded the project in 2011, but it languished in development hell for over a decade. Finally, in September 2023, Oscar Isaac officially stepped into the dual lead role, allowing production to finally move forward.
- One of the film's most surprising elements is Martin Scorsese pulling double duty as executive producer and actor. He plays Isaiah, Dante's wise mentor in the 14th century segments, a figure meant to represent the highest form of wisdom. Bearded and quietly commanding, Scorsese brings real sincerity to the role and for a filmmaker who rarely acts in other directors' films, this is one of his most substantial dramatic performances to date.
-Based on Nick Tosches' 2002 novel. Directed by Julian Schnabel and Louise Kugelberg. Premiered at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival on September 3, 2025.