Martin Scorsese Reflects on Unmade ‘Cleopatra’ Film Linked to Sony Hack and Seth Rogen
Martin Scorsese has revealed that his planned film ‘Cleopatra’ starring Angelina Jolie was never produced, attributing the cancellation to the 2014 Sony Pictures hack and the controversy surrounding Seth Rogen’s film ‘The Interview.’ The hack, which occurred in November 2014, involved a group that sought to prevent the release of ‘The Interview,’ a comedy about a fictional assassination attempt on North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Scorsese described the ‘Cleopatra’ project as having potential to be ‘really wild,’ suggesting it would have been a bold and unconventional take on the historical figure. The film was intended to star Jolie as Cleopatra, but the Sony hack and subsequent industry turmoil led to the project’s cancellation. Scorsese’s comments highlight the ripple effects of the Sony hack, which not only impacted the release of ‘The Interview’ but also affected other high-profile projects in development at the time. The hack exposed internal communications and led to significant changes in Sony’s management and security protocols. While Scorsese did not provide specific details about how the hack directly caused the cancellation of ‘Cleopatra,’ he linked the two events, suggesting that the chaotic environment following the breach made it impossible to move forward with the project. The mention of Seth Rogen’s film in this context appears to be a reference to the broader controversy that overshadowed Sony’s operations during that period. The article also notes that ‘Cleopatra’ was never officially greenlit, and the project was abandoned before production could begin. This revelation adds to the ongoing discussion about the long-term consequences of the Sony hack on Hollywood’s creative landscape. The hack, which was carried out by a group calling itself the Guardians of Peace, remains one of the most significant cyberattacks on a major entertainment company. Scorsese’s comments underscore the interconnected nature of Hollywood’s business and creative decisions, particularly in the wake of major security breaches. The film industry has since implemented stricter security measures, but the Sony hack remains a pivotal moment in the history of media and cybersecurity.
