Bellocchio's Falcon, which takes its name from Marchionne’s preferred business jet, centers on the extraordinary journey of Sergio Marchionne, portrayed by Italian star Pierfrancesco Favino. Marchionne, an Italian-Canadian executive, famously stepped in to rescue Italy's iconic car manufacturer, Fiat, from the brink of collapse in 2004 following the death of its legendary boss, Gianni Agnelli. Known for his ruthless efficiency and strategic foresight, Marchionne swiftly overhauled the company's top management and took Agnelli's grandson, John Elkann, under his wing. Garrel's portrayal of Elkann will explore the dynamic relationship between the seasoned executive and the young heir, thrust unexpectedly into the demanding world of industrial leadership.
The narrative will also chronicle Marchionne's audacious moves on the global stage, including disentangling Fiat from a challenging alliance with General Motors and, most notably, saving a bankrupt Chrysler by merging it with Fiat, forging the automotive giant now known as Stellantis.
Speaking to Deadline last year, director Marco Bellocchio expressed his profound interest in the subject, stating, "I’m fascinated by his journey and his ability, as an Italian who stood up to American big business, to defend Fiat and then even take over Chrysler, which was bankrupt, to make a major group." This quote effectively captures the essence of Marchionne's legacy that the film aims to explore. Bellocchio also revealed the inspiration behind the film's unique title, noting that Marchionne "would travel went back and forth from Turin on a Falcon, so we’ve given it this title."
Beyond Favino and Garrel, the film boasts a strong supporting cast including Benedetta Cimatti, Barbara Ronchi, and the participation of Valeria Bruni Tedeschi.
Production for Falcon has already commenced, with initial two-week shoots taking place in Toronto and Niagara Falls in September. The team is slated to continue filming in Italy's Piedmont region and Rome, before returning to Canada and the United States in early 2027 to complete principal photography. Kavac Film, Rai Cinema, and Emotion Network are producing the feature in collaboration with STLA Europe, with 01 Distribution handling the Italian release.
Bellocchio is collaborating with a familiar creative team, including production designer Andrea Castorina, costume designer Daria Calvelli, and editor Francesca Calvelli, all of whom have worked on his previous acclaimed projects such as The Traitor and Kidnapped. Cinematographer Matteo Cocco, known for his work on The Weight, joins Bellocchio's team for the first time, promising a fresh visual perspective on this compelling story.
This deep dive into the life of a modern industrial titan, helmed by a master director and featuring a stellar international cast, positions Falcon as a significant upcoming release for film enthusiasts.