Gal Gadot on 'In the Hand of Dante': Bold, moving, and unlike anything before
Synopsis
Gal Gadot is calling 'In the Hand of Dante' the most distinctive project of her career — and with Julian Schnabel directing, Al Pacino, Oscar Isaac, and Jason Momoa co-starring, and a Vatican manuscript at the heart of the story, it's easy to see why. The Netflix release is shaping up as one of the more unconventional big-platform drops of the year.
Key Takeaways
Gal Gadot describes 'In the Hand of Dante' as 'bold, moving, and unlike anything I've ever been a part of.' The film is directed by Julian Schnabel and based on the 2002 novel by Nick Tosches .
The story follows a manuscript of Dante Alighieri's Divine Comedy from the Vatican library to a New York City mob boss.
The cast includes Oscar Isaac , Al Pacino , Gerard Butler , John Malkovich , Jason Momoa , and Martin Scorsese .
The film premieres on Netflix .
Hollywood star Gal Gadot has opened up about her experience working on the upcoming Netflix film 'In the Hand of Dante', directed by celebrated painter-filmmaker Julian Schnabel, calling it 'bold, moving, and unlike anything I've ever been a part of.' The film is set to premiere on Netflix and marks a distinctive chapter in Gadot's career.
About the Film
'In the Hand of Dante' is a drama based on the 2002 novel by author Nick Tosches. The story centres on a manuscript of Dante Alighieri's Divine Comedy, discovered in the Vatican library, which eventually finds its way to a mob boss in New York City before landing in the hands of Tosches himself. The narrative weaves together themes of art, crime, and love across lifetimes.
Gadot on the Journey
Sharing a series of behind-the-scenes images on Instagram — including glimpses alongside Schnabel — Gadot described the project as 'an incredible journey.' In her own words: 'This film has been an incredible journey — a story that weaves together a love that transcends lifetimes, art, crime, and everything in between. It's bold, moving, and unlike anything I've ever been a part of.'
A Dream Come True: Working with Schnabel
Gadot spoke warmly about collaborating with Julian Schnabel, a filmmaker who has championed independent arthouse cinema since the 1990s. 'Working with Julian Schnabel was truly a dream come true. He is an artist I have admired for many years, and The Diving Bell and the Butterfly remains one of my all-time favourite films,' she wrote. She added that getting to know 'the gentle, artistic soul behind his remarkable work was a gift I will always cherish.'
Star-Studded Cast
The film boasts an extraordinary ensemble, featuring Oscar Isaac, Gerard Butler, John Malkovich, Louis Cancelmi, Sabrina Impacciatore, Benjamin Clementine, Martin Scorsese, Al Pacino, and Jason Momoa alongside Gadot. The breadth of talent signals the film's ambition as a crossover between arthouse sensibility and mainstream appeal.
What to Expect
Gadot concluded her message with a note of gratitude: 'Thank you to everyone who helped bring this beautiful and ambitious project to life. I hope you connect with it as deeply as we did while making it.' With Schnabel's reputation for visually immersive, emotionally layered storytelling — cemented by works like The Diving Bell and the Butterfly and Basquiat — audiences can expect a film that defies conventional genre boundaries. All eyes are now on how Netflix audiences receive this unconventional collaboration.
Point of View
Red Notice, Heart of Stone. Choosing an arthouse drama rooted in a Nick Tosches novel signals either a deliberate pivot toward prestige work or a one-off creative detour. The more interesting question is whether Netflix's algorithm-driven platform can give a film of this sensibility the audience it deserves, or whether it disappears in the scroll. Schnabel has not made a widely seen film in over a decade; this is as much a test for him as it is a stretch for Gadot.
NationPress
24 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 'In the Hand of Dante' about?
'In the Hand of Dante' is a drama directed by Julian Schnabel, based on the 2002 novel by Nick Tosches. It follows a manuscript of Dante Alighieri's Divine Comedy discovered in the Vatican library, which eventually reaches a mob boss in New York City and ends up in the hands of Nick Tosches.
Where can I watch 'In the Hand of Dante'?
The film is premiering on Netflix. Gal Gadot confirmed the Netflix release date in her Instagram post announcing the film's arrival.
Who is in the cast of 'In the Hand of Dante'?
The film stars Gal Gadot alongside Oscar Isaac, Gerard Butler, John Malkovich, Al Pacino, Jason Momoa, Martin Scorsese, Louis Cancelmi, Sabrina Impacciatore, and Benjamin Clementine.
Who directed 'In the Hand of Dante'?
The film is directed by Julian Schnabel, a painter-turned-filmmaker known for arthouse works such as 'The Diving Bell and the Butterfly' and 'Basquiat.' Schnabel has been associated with independent cinema since the 1990s.
What did Gal Gadot say about working with Julian Schnabel?
Gadot called the experience 'a dream come true,' saying she has long admired Schnabel and considers 'The Diving Bell and the Butterfly' one of her all-time favourite films. She described getting to know his 'gentle, artistic soul' as 'a gift I will always cherish.'
