Marlon Brando’s Lost Film “Divine Rapture” Set for Resurrection

BREAKING: A long-lost Hollywood project featuring Marlon Brando may finally see the light of day! Producer Barry Navidi has announced plans to resurrect “Divine Rapture,” the film that famously collapsed just two weeks into shooting in Ballycotton, Co Cork back in July 1995.

Navidi, currently finalizing his latest film Lear Rex starring Al Pacino and Jessica Chastain, is determined to return to Ireland next year to complete the project that left him bankrupt three decades ago. “It’s time to make a comedy—a ‘dramedy’,” Navidi stated. “I’m looking at resurrecting it, and this time, I know the story so well I don’t need a director.”

The tale of “Divine Rapture” has become cinematic folklore, with its star-studded cast including Brando, Debra Winger, and Johnny Depp. The film centered around a miraculous event in rural Ireland, but financial troubles led to its abrupt halt on July 23, 1995, leaving cast and crew unpaid. “I was broken,” Navidi admitted, reflecting on the film’s collapse.

Despite the heartache, Navidi’s journey has taken him through Hollywood’s ups and downs, eventually leading to collaborations with stars like Pacino. Now, he is ready to revisit the project, saying, “I always have a soft spot for Divine Rapture. It’s a timeless movie.”

Plans are already in motion for shooting in Ballycotton and possibly Dublin, although Navidi is mindful of past mistakes. “You learn from experience,” he noted, emphasizing a more streamlined approach to production this time around.

The original budget for “Divine Rapture” was set at $13 million, but financial mismanagement left Navidi with only $4 million before the project fell apart. Now, nearly 30 years later, he hopes to secure adequate funding to finally bring the film to completion.

The local community in Ballycotton, which was buzzing with excitement during the initial filming, could soon experience that energy again. “The locals all wanted to watch,” said director Thom Eberhardt, who recalled the enthusiasm surrounding the project.

As Navidi gears up for this ambitious return, he aims to capture the magic that eluded him in 1995. “I want to go back to where I started. I’m not going to give up on it,” he affirmed.

With a fresh perspective and a wealth of experience, will “Divine Rapture” finally fulfill its destiny? Stay tuned as this story develops!