Oscar-winning actor Al Pacino is set to travel to Greece in April 2027 to film his upcoming movie, “50/50,” a sports drama about a young Greek-American skateboarder. About 90% of the production will take place in Greece, while casting is underway for Greek actors who could appear alongside the Hollywood star.
The actor, known for his performances in “The Godfather” and “Scarface,” will play a former skateboarding champion who becomes a mentor to a young athlete hoping to compete in the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
The project adds to a growing list of major Hollywood productions filmed in Greece, which has attracted international filmmakers and prominent actors in recent years.
Al Pacino to play former skateboarding champion
The film follows a young Greek-American skateboarder who returns to Greece from the United States after his parents separate. There, he meets a retired skateboarding champion, played by Pacino, who helps him pursue his Olympic ambitions. Their relationship becomes central to the story as the young athlete works toward his sporting goals while facing personal challenges. The film explores ambition, self-discovery and personal growth.
Greece will serve as the main setting for the story, although producers have not yet announced the specific filming locations.
Greek actors sought for upcoming Al Pacino film
Greek-American businessman Efthymios Tsonakas is overseeing executive production through his company, Gold Tree. According to media reports, the project has secured funding from the Hellenic Film and Audiovisual Centre (EKKOMED). Casting is underway for Greek actors, while the production is also expected to involve local film professionals. The project follows other international productions that have benefited from Greece’s financial incentives for filmmaking.
Al Pacino is set to star in the upcoming film 50/50, with production scheduled to begin in Greece in April 2027. The film follows a young Greek-American skateboarder pursuing his dream of competing in the 2028 Olympics, with Pacino playing a former skateboarding champion who… pic.twitter.com/rltE3RwbLQ
— Hardcore Italians (@HardcoreItalian) November 10, 2026
Tsonakas also plans to expand his investments in Greece’s entertainment industry, including the proposed development of five modern film studio complexes. The facilities would create employment opportunities for Greek professionals working in film and television.
The plans come as Greece continues to develop its production infrastructure. Previous investments have included new film studios designed to attract Hollywood productions.
Pacino’s previous collaborations and visits to Greece
“50/50” is expected to continue Pacino’s professional relationship with Tsonakas. Greek media reports have linked the two to earlier projects, including “Modì, Three Days on the Wing of Madness,” directed by Johnny Depp, and “Lear Rex,” Bernard Rose’s adaptation of William Shakespeare’s “King Lear.”
Pacino had long expressed interest in portraying King Lear, one of Shakespeare’s most prominent characters. The upcoming production is expected to mark the first time Pacino has filmed a movie in Greece.
Although the actor has not previously shot a film in the country, he has visited Greece for private vacations. His past trips reportedly included Paros and Skopelos. During a 2016 visit to Skopelos, Pacino traveled incognito and enjoyed a meal at a local seafood restaurant before being recognized.
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