Marlon Brando’s ‘Divine Rapture’ Set for 2024 Resurgence in Cork

BREAKING: The long-lost film project, Divine Rapture, featuring Hollywood legends Marlon Brando, Debra Winger, and Johnny Depp, is poised for revival nearly 30 years after it was abruptly halted due to financial woes. Producer Barry Navidi has announced plans to return to Ballycotton, Co Cork in 2024 to finally complete the film that once left him bankrupt.

This unexpected news has reignited interest in a project that was supposed to be a blockbuster but fell victim to financial mismanagement just two weeks into filming on July 23, 1995. Navidi, who is currently in post-production on his latest film Lear Rex starring Al Pacino and Jessica Chastain, expressed his determination to finish Divine Rapture and direct it himself.

“I am going to come back to make it — and this time, I’m going to direct it myself,” Navidi told the Irish Examiner. He emphasized the film’s timelessness, stating, “These kinds of movies, they don’t age.”

The original project was a unique blend of an Irish fairy tale and Hollywood flair. It told the story of a woman who dies and miraculously returns to life, leading a priest, played by Brando, to question his faith. Despite its star-studded cast, the film’s production was shut down due to a lack of funding, leaving unpaid crew members and a devastated Navidi.

Navidi reflected on the experience, saying, “I was broken.” However, the setback ultimately opened doors in Hollywood, leading to collaborations with stars like Pacino. Now, nearly three decades later, he is eager to resurrect the project, indicating a potential filming location in Dublin as well.

Navidi first hinted at the possibility of reviving Divine Rapture back in 2012, but it is only now that he feels prepared to revisit it. “I want to see if I can do it next year, depending on my workload,” he stated, acknowledging that his previous experience will help streamline the production.

The film’s initial failure was a significant event in Hollywood, garnering extensive media coverage. It left a lasting impact on Ballycotton, which had been buzzing with excitement for the film shoot. Now, with the prospect of a revival, local interest is reignited.

The film’s director, Thom Eberhardt, who faced challenges during the original shoot, recalled the chaotic atmosphere. “Marlon Brando and Johnny Depp, they just couldn’t keep a straight face,” he said. This light-heartedness, however, did not contribute to the film’s demise; it was the lack of financial backing that ultimately shuttered production.

As for the revival, Navidi is adamant about returning to the roots of the project. “I want to go back to where I started,” he stated, despite receiving offers to film in other countries. The film’s original budget was set at $13 million, a modest amount for such a star-studded cast, yet it proved insufficient due to poor financial management by the production company.

With the announcement of the revival, excitement is building in Ballycotton and beyond. As Navidi gears up for this new chapter, the film community watches closely, eager to witness the rebirth of a story that nearly faded into obscurity.

What’s next? Keep an eye out for updates as Navidi finalizes details for filming in 2024, potentially bringing back familiar faces and new talent to breathe life into Divine Rapture. The film industry and fans alike are buzzing with anticipation for what could be a remarkable Hollywood comeback.