Scorsese Reveals Abandoned Cleopatra Film Plans
Martin Scorsese confirmed he was once attached to direct an Angelina Jolie-led Cleopatra project for Sony.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Science Fiction
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Martin Scorsese revealed in a recent interview that he planned to direct an unproduced Cleopatra film starring Angelina Jolie. He attributed the ultimate collapse of the $180 million project to the fallout from the 2014 Sony hack.
Why it matters
The project represents a high-profile loss for Hollywood, illustrating how the 2014 Sony hack disrupted major studio developments. The leaked internal communications between producers significantly derailed the momentum of the planned production.
The proposed film was slated for a $180 million production budget. Internal emails regarding the project were leaked during the 2014 Sony hack, which ultimately halted development.
The players
Martin Scorsese
He is an acclaimed American filmmaker known for directing influential cinema classics.
Angelina Jolie
She is an Academy Award-winning actress and director recognized for her global film career.
Sony
It is a major multinational entertainment and electronics conglomerate based in Japan.
Denis Villeneuve
He is a prominent Canadian filmmaker known for directing large-scale science fiction and drama films.
The details
Sony began developing the adaptation of Stacy Schiff's biography Cleopatra: A Life in 2010, initially utilizing a screenplay by Eric Roth. Although David Scarpa completed a script rewrite in 2016 and Denis Villeneuve entered directing talks in 2017, the production failed to materialize following the initial executive fallout.
Timeline
Sony initiated development of the Cleopatra film project in 2010.
The 2014 Sony hack leaked internal emails about the film's production.
David Scarpa was hired to perform a script rewrite in 2016.
Denis Villeneuve entered negotiations to direct the project in 2017.
Martin Scorsese discussed the history of the film on October 30, 2026.
Industry Dynamics
This project highlights how the 2014 Sony hack fundamentally altered studio development cycles by exposing sensitive executive communications. The incident marked a shift in how Hollywood managed high-budget productions and internal corporate transparency.
Fans of the proposed film will remain unable to view the production as it never moved beyond the development phase. The story provides transparency regarding how studio-level security breaches directly impact the release of major entertainment properties.
The takeaway
The history of this project demonstrates that even massive productions with top-tier talent are susceptible to administrative and security disruptions. Readers should note that internal studio controversies are often the primary reason why ambitious films are shelved.
Further reading
Explore more projects and industry trends in the Science Fiction section.
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