Plans Comeback To Acting With Role As Famous Priest, Padre Pio
Pio is arguably the most famous Italian religious figure of the 20th century.
Director Abel Ferrara, known for 'King of New York,' spoke with Variety and assured the publication that Shia would make his return to acting playing the famous priest.
“We’re doing a film about Padre Pio," Ferrara said. "He’s now a saint, he had stigmata," he added. “He was very young before he became a saint, so Shia LaBeouf is going to play the monk.”
The film is set in Italy right after World War I. Padre Pio was a controversial figure whose stigmata was questioned by church authorities.
Despite the director's confidence, independent films have a track record of problems preventing them from ever getting off the ground. William Dafoe is also rumored to be considering a role.
The news comes a few months after Shia parted ways with CAA, following a lawsuit filed against him by his former girlfriend FKA Twigs. She accused him of physical abuse.
After leaving his agency, a source told Variety that he planned on taking a break from acting. Perhaps a trip to Italy will help him get back into Hollywood.