Harvey Keitel and James Franco Jet to Sardinia for On‑Location Shoot

It’s not every day you see a pair of icons like Harvey Keitel and James Franco stepping off a plane together and heading straight to a beach in Sardinia. Yet that’s exactly what happened last week, when the two actors arrived in the Italian archipelago to kick off a yet‑untitled feature that’s already causing a buzz on set.

According to sources close to the production, the film—directed by up‑and‑coming filmmaker Luca Bianchi—takes advantage of Sardegna’s raw, sun‑baked landscapes. “We wanted something that feels timeless, almost mythic,” Bianchi told the crew, gesturing toward the cliffs that tumble into crystal‑clear water. “Harvey and James bring a kind of gravitas and spontaneity that matches the terrain.”

Keitel, now in his late 80s, appears as energetic as ever. He was spotted walking along the cobblestone streets of Alghero, chatting with locals in a mix of English and broken Italian, and even sampling the island’s famed pecorino cheese. “It’s been a while since I’ve worked in such a wild place,” he laughed, “but the light here… it’s like nothing I’ve ever seen on a Hollywood set.”

Franco, meanwhile, seemed to be channeling a younger version of himself—energetic, curious, and a bit mischievous. He took a quick break from rehearsals to climb a modest hill, where he filmed a short behind‑the‑scenes video for his Instagram followers, joking, “If you think I’m just a Hollywood dude, you haven’t seen me chase goats on a Sardinian hillside!” The post quickly racked up likes and comments, proving the actor’s knack for blending work and play.

The production itself is a collaborative effort between a U.S. indie studio and an Italian co‑producer, making it a true transatlantic partnership. Crew members say the mix of American star power and local craftsmanship is creating a unique energy on set. “We’re learning from each other,” said the film’s cinematographer, Marta Rossi. “The Italian crew brings centuries‑old knowledge of natural lighting, while the American side pushes for a faster, more experimental pace.”

While details about the plot remain tightly under wraps, insiders suggest the story centers on a retired sailor (played by Keitel) who teams up with a wandering photographer (Franco) to uncover a hidden treasure linked to World II. The script, penned by novelist Marco Silvestri, weaves history, myth, and a touch of romance, all set against Sardinia’s dramatic coastline.

Fans of both actors will likely be delighted to see them share screen time again—something that hasn’t happened since the early 2000s, when Keitel and Franco briefly crossed paths at a Cannes after‑party. This new project, however, feels different. It’s not a blockbuster, nor a purely indie experiment; it sits somewhere in the middle, a cinematic love letter to an island that, until now, has mostly been a backdrop for travel documentaries.

As the sun set over the Mediterranean on their first day of shooting, Keitel and Franco were seen standing shoulder‑to‑shoulder, watching the horizon turn pink. “There’s something magical about this place,” Keitel whispered, “and I think the audience will feel it too.”

When asked about the timeline, the director hinted that post‑production could take a while, given the film’s ambitious visual style. “We’re not in a rush,” Bianchi said. “We want to let the story breathe, just like the island itself.” Expect a teaser later this year, and perhaps a festival debut in early 2027.