In the Hand of Dante (film)

In the Hand of Dante is an upcoming drama film directed by Julian Schnabel, written by Schnabel and Louise Kugelberg and based on the 2002 novel by Nick Tosches. It follows a handwritten manuscript of Dante Alighieri’s Divine Comedy found in the Vatican library, which makes its way into a mob boss in New York City, ending up in the hands of Nick Tosches. It stars Oscar Isaac alongside a ensemble cast that includes Jason Momoa, Gerard Butler, Gal Gadot, Sabrina Impacciatore, Franco Nero, John Malkovich, Louis Cancelmi, Fortunato Cerlino, Lorenzo Zurzolo, Benjamin Clementine, Martin Scorsese and Al Pacino.

In the Hand of Dante
Directed by	Julian Schnabel
Screenplay by	Julian Schnabel Louise Kugelberg
Based on	In the Hand of Dante by Nick Tosches
Produced by	Gabriele Bebe Moratti Jon Kilik Robert K. MacLean Francesco Melzi d'Eril Olmo Schnabel Vito Schnabel
Starring	Oscar Isaac Gal Gadot Gerard Butler John Malkovich Louis Cancelmi Sabrina Impacciatore Franco Nero Benjamin Clementine Paolo Bonacelli Lorenzo Zurzolo Martin Scorsese Al Pacino Jason Momoa
Cinematography	Roman Vasyanov
Edited by	Marco Spoletini Louise Kugelberg
Music by	Benjamin Clementine
Production companies	DreamCrew Exemplary Films Corporation Infinitum Nihil Intromagine Pictures Mad Gene Media MeMo Films Screen Capital Tribune Pictures Tucci & Company Twin Productions
Release date	September 3, 2025 (2025-09-03) (Venice)
Running time	153 minutes
Countries	United Kingdom Italy Chile United States
Languages	English Italian
Budget	$25 million[1]

The film will have its world premiere out of competition in the 82nd Venice International Film Festival on September 3, 2025.^[2]

Cast

• Oscar Isaac as Nick Tosches / Dante Alighieri
• Gal Gadot as Giulietta / Gemma Donati
• Gerard Butler as Louie / Pope Bonifacio
• John Malkovich as Joe Black
• Louis Cancelmi as Lefty / Guido da Polenta
• Sabrina Impacciatore as Dr. Susanna Pulice
• Franco Nero as Don Lecco
• Benjamin Clementine as Mephistopheles
• Paolo Bonacelli as the Adult Priest of Alcamo
• Martin Scorsese as Isaiah, Alighieri's mentor
• Al Pacino as Uncle Carmine
• Jason Momoa as Rosario
• Lorenzo Zurzolo as Don Lecco (33)
• Claudio Santamaria as Archivist (Fabriano)
• Guido Caprino as Guido Cavalcanti
• Mohamed Zouaoui as Tunisian Bartender
• Alessandro De Simone as the Young Priest of Alcamo
• Lolita Chamah as Nursemaid
• Howard Thomas Ray as Doctor
• Duke Nicholson as Bar Manager
• Vincenzo Leto as Michele Sindona
• Galen Hopper as Nick’s Daughter

Production

In December 2008, it was announced Johnny Depp's production company Infinitum Nihil had acquired rights to In the Hand of Dante by Nick Tosches, with Depp eying to star and produce.^[3] In July 2011, it was announced Julian Schnabel would direct the film.^[4] In September 2023, Oscar Isaac joined the cast of the film, replacing Depp.^[5]

In October 2023, it was announced that Jason Momoa, Gerard Butler, and Gal Gadot had joined the cast of the film, with Martin Scorsese set to executive produce.^[6] In November 2023, Al Pacino, John Malkovich, Benjamin Clementine, Louis Cancelmi, Sabrina Impacciatore, Franco Nero, Claudio Santamaria, Guido Caprino, Paolo Bonacelli and Dora Romano were announced to star in the film.^[1] In February 2024, it was reported that Scorsese would also play a role in the film.^[7]

Principal photography began in October 2023 in Italy, with the project securing a SAG-AFTRA interim agreement.^[8]

Release

The film will have its world premiere out of competition in the 82nd Venice International Film Festival on September 3, 2025. One month before its Venice premiere, it leaked online.^[9]