Leone Film Group is embarking on an ambitious cinematic venture, producing an origins story centered on Sergio Leone's classic film, 'Once Upon a Time in America.' This upcoming production aims to delve into the legendary director's persistent 15-year endeavor to realize his gangster epic, which premiered to a mixed reception at the 1984 Cannes Film Festival but is now revered as a masterpiece. The narrative promises to capture Leone's unique blend of determination and wit, offering audiences a deeper understanding of the creative process behind his iconic work.

Raffaella Leone, co-CEO of Leone Film Group and Sergio Leone's daughter, revealed that the project is essentially 'the story of a man who chases a dream for his entire life.' She emphasized that her father dedicated a decade and a half solely to bringing 'Once Upon a Time in America' to fruition, undertaking no other projects until its completion. The film is expected to be imbued with Sergio Leone's distinctive ironic style, reflecting his personality and artistic vision.

The directorial duties for this untitled origins picture have been entrusted to the Italian duo Giuseppe Stasi and Giancarlo Fontana, known for their work on Prime Video's crime series 'The Bad Guy.' They are also co-writing the screenplay with Ludovica Rampoldi, a fellow writer from 'The Bad Guy' team. This collaboration signals a fresh approach to chronicling the making of a cinematic landmark.

The narrative of the origins film will span various eras, incorporating significant flashbacks to Sergio Leone's formative years. Its settings will be diverse, ranging from Rome to New York, Los Angeles, Paris, and Cannes. Notably, Cannes holds particular significance as the place where Leone first met Arnon Milchan, the producer of 'Once Upon a Time in America,' and where the film itself made its debut.

Raffaella Leone is producing the 'Time in America' origins film alongside Leonardo Maria Del Vecchio, chief strategy officer of EssilorLuxottica and president of Ray-Ban. Del Vecchio, who holds a 19% stake in the Leone Film Group, is also participating in the 'Paper Tiger' delegation at Cannes, highlighting the collaborative spirit driving these projects. In addition to this major undertaking, Leone Film Group is actively developing several other productions, including 'Bad Boy's Girl,' an adaptation of Blair Holde's popular Wattpad saga; 'Days of Abandonment,' an English-language adaptation of Elena Ferrante's novel starring Penelope Cruz; and an English-language remake of Paolo Genovese’s comedy 'Madly,' showcasing the group's diverse and ambitious production slate.

The upcoming origins film about 'Once Upon a Time in America' is poised to offer a compelling exploration of Sergio Leone's artistic journey, shedding light on the dedication and creative spirit that shaped one of cinema's most enduring gangster epics. With an acclaimed directorial team and a narrative that spans continents and decades, this project promises to be a fascinating addition to the legacy of a legendary filmmaker, celebrating the pursuit of a lifelong dream against all odds.