Martin Scorsese Says His ‘Cleopatra’ Movie With Angelina Jolie Was ‘Ruined’ by Seth Rogen and the Sony Hack: ‘It Was Gonna Be Really Wild’

Martin Scorsese's ambitious Cleopatra film, which was set to star Angelina Jolie, never made it to production, a casualty of the tumultuous aftermath of the 2014 Sony Pictures hack. The celebrated director recently discussed the project's derailment in the debut episode of the Tribeca original series "Crafty," shedding light on the unexpected obstacles that led to its cancellation.

Initially, the Cleopatra film held significant promise, with Scorsese attached to direct and Jolie cast as Cleopatra VII. The screenplay was to be penned by Eric Roth, who notably collaborated with Scorsese on the 2023 film "Killers of the Flower Moon." Industry insiders had anticipated the project would bring a fresh and bold take on the Egyptian queen's story.

However, the landscape shifted dramatically following a major cyberattack on Sony Pictures in November 2014. The hack, orchestrated by a group opposed to the release of the Seth Rogen comedy "The Interview," which depicted a fictional assassination plot against North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, exposed thousands of private Sony communications. This breach triggered wide-ranging repercussions within the studio and the broader entertainment sector.

Scorsese linked the fallout from the Sony hack directly to the shelving of his Cleopatra project. According to his account, the controversy surrounding "The Interview" and the resulting industry upheaval created an environment that ultimately stifled the Cleopatra film's development. Although Seth Rogen himself was not responsible for canceling the project, the hack's exposure of sensitive emails, including disparaging remarks about Angelina Jolie from producer Scott Rudin to Amy Pascal, added strain to the production climate.

The leaked correspondence reportedly included unfavorable comments about Jolie, describing her in a way that complicated her involvement. These revelations intensified challenges around the Cleopatra film, contributing to its demise despite Scorsese's initial enthusiasm. He reflected on the project's potential, emphasizing that the film promised to be a daring and unconventional interpretation of the historical figure.

While details remain limited regarding the precise decisions that led to the project's cancellation, it is clear that the combination of cyber-security crises and internal studio conflicts created a hostile environment for Cleopatra's realization. This incident underscores how external political and technological factors can inadvertently influence creative endeavors in Hollywood.

Beyond Cleopatra, the Sony hack had a profound impact on the entertainment industry, prompting studios to reassess cybersecurity protocols and communication practices. For Scorsese, the experience serves as a reminder of the unpredictability filmmakers face, where even highly anticipated projects can be sidelined by forces unrelated to artistic vision or talent.

In reflecting on Cleopatra, Scorsese expressed regret over the lost opportunity to work with Jolie and Roth on a film that could have been a standout entry in his storied career. The episode offers insight into the complex interplay between art, politics, and technology in contemporary filmmaking.

As of now, there have been no further announcements regarding a revival of the Cleopatra project or alternative plans involving the key figures attached. The story behind the film remains a poignant example of the fragility of cinematic projects amid external disruptions.