Brian De Palma Returns for Final Act With Sweet Vengeance in 2026
Brian De Palma, famed for his iconic films, is set to direct Sweet Vengeance, his final movie, after years of critical ups and downs. Discover what inspired this new project and why it could mark a powerful comeback for the legendary director.
For decades, Brian De Palma has stood as a towering figure in American cinema, but his recent projects haven’t quite matched the acclaim of his earlier classics. While other directors from Hollywood ’s New Wave have managed to adapt and flourish, De Palma’s output over the past twenty years has often left fans wanting more. His 2019 film, Domino, received a lukewarm response and many assumed it would be his swan song.
De Palma’s Comeback: Sweet Vengeance Begins Production
Now, De Palma is stepping back into the director ’s chair for one last time with Sweet Vengeance, which is set to start filming this summer. Although the plot details are still tightly guarded, early hints suggest this could be a return to the kind of gripping storytelling that made him a legend. The director first mentioned the project in 2018, revealing it draws inspiration from two real-life murder cases and other true crime stories—territory that feels tailor-made for his style.
His previous film, Domino, was plagued by production issues and quietly released on video- on-demand, bypassing theaters altogether. This time, hopes are high that the new crime thriller will avoid similar setbacks and allow De Palma to finish his career on a high note.
I’m interested in how they tell the story of the crime, so I’ll do it the way [they] do on television, based on two real cases.
Filming is scheduled to take place in Portugal, with casting announcements expected soon. As audiences have started to embrace more original films after years dominated by franchise blockbusters, there’s a real chance that De Palma’s signature touch will resonate with a new generation of moviegoers.
Unrealized Visions: The Predator That Never Was
Before committing to Sweet Vengeance, De Palma nearly took on a very different project. He once considered directing a film called Predator—not to be confused with the well-known sci-fi franchise. Instead, this concept was inspired by the scandals surrounding Harvey Weinstein and was envisioned as a horror film about a sexual predator set within the movie industry.
De Palma described the idea as follows:
I’am writing a film about this scandal, which I am currently discussing with a French producer. My character will not be called Harvey Weinstein. But it will be a horror movie, with a sexual aggressor, and it will happen in the film industry.
Although this project never materialized, De Palma’s creative drive has found a new outlet in Sweet Vengeance. If this truly is his final film, it stands as a fitting capstone to a career that has shaped the landscape of modern cinema.
No official release date has been announced for Sweet Vengeance yet.