Director Pietro Marcello, who successfully attracted art-house film lovers towards his Martin Eden in 2019, will next direct Duse, which is based on Italian diva Eleonara Duse.

Valeria Bruni Tedeschi will play the titular role and Noemie Merlant will play her on-screen daughter.

Duse, who lived between 1858 and 1924, was known to be one of the greatest actors during her times. She rose to prominence starring in plays by Gabriele D'Annunzio and Henrik Ibsen.

Despite her stellar acting career, Marcello has reportedly decided to portray Duse's post-retirement phase.

Marking their fifth collaboration, The Match Factory has acquired the international rights of Duse, after holding rights of Pietro Marcello's For Lucia, Futura, Martin Eden, and Lost and Beautiful.

The film is co-produced by Italy's Palomar and Avventurosa with France's Ad Vitam.