Scorsese Blames 2014 Sony Hack for Killing Angelina Jolie's Cleopatra Project

Key points

• Scorsese discussed the canceled Cleopatra project in the first episode of the Tribeca series Crafty.
• The film was set to star Angelina Jolie as Cleopatra VII and be written by Eric Roth.
• Scorsese linked the project's cancellation to the 2014 Sony hack, which was a response to The Interview.
• The hack exposed emails from producer Scott Rudin criticizing Jolie, which Scorsese said ruined the film.
• Scorsese and Rogen have since collaborated, with Scorsese appearing in Rogen's Apple TV series The Studio.

Background

The 2014 Sony hack was a significant event in Hollywood, exposing internal communications and affecting various projects. Scorsese's Cleopatra project was one of the casualties, as the leaked emails revealed negative comments about Angelina Jolie from industry figures. This incident highlighted the far-reaching consequences of the hack on film production and studio relationships.

How outlets are covering it

Variety and Deadline both report Scorsese's claims that the Sony hack ruined the Cleopatra project. Variety notes that Rogen was not directly responsible for the cancellation but that the hack exposed damaging emails. Deadline adds that Scorsese joked about Kim Jong Un's lack of humor and mentioned his daughter Francesca's frustration. Both outlets confirm the project was set to star Jolie and be written by Eric Roth, but they differ in emphasis: Variety focuses on the email content, while Deadline highlights Scorsese's ongoing relationship with Rogen.

Why it matters

The story illustrates how a single cyberattack can have long-lasting effects on the film industry, canceling major projects and exposing internal conflicts. It also shows how Scorsese and Rogen have moved past the incident, collaborating on The Studio, which adds a layer of irony to the situation.

What to watch

There is no indication that the Cleopatra project will be revived. Scorsese and Rogen continue to work together, but the film remains canceled. The story serves as a reminder of the impact of the 2014 Sony hack on Hollywood.