ANTWERP, Belgium — Belgian adult movie director Dennis Black Magic is among the lead characters in "Zillion," a forthcoming drama from director Robin Pront, best known for 2015's "The Ardennes."
"Zillion," which Pront co-wrote with Kevin Meul, was set to go before the cameras in early 2020 before production was shuttered due to the coronavirus lockdown. Producers hope to get back underway in June, noted a rep.
In 1997, Frank Verstraeten, "a computer genius with a nose for business, a fascination for nightlife and an unhealthy urge to prove himself, wanted only one thing: a private disco that would surpass all the competition," reads a synopsis for the film. "The futuristic mega-disco Zillion transformed Verstraeten into a pivotal figure of Antwerp's nightlife."
"He paraded with the most beautiful women in Belgium and forged an alliance with Dennis Black Magic, the porn king who provided spicy extras," the synopsis notes. "Unfortunately, Verstraeten created enemies inside and outside his disco and he lost control."
Pront said he is "really looking forward to bringing that 'Zillion' vibe to the screen."
"'Zillion' is a story about the rise-and-fall of someone who, driven by boundless and unscrupulous ambition, loses his soul," he added.
Jonas Vermeulen has signed on to play Frank Verstraeten, while Matteo Simoni will portray Dennis Black Magic.
"The greatest honor I can get is that a talented and famous actor such as Matteo Simoni will play me in a theatrical movie based on my crazy life as a porn director," said Black Magic. "Besides Mr. Larry Flynt, I am the only porn director to receive a [biographical] movie in his own country."
"That [is what] I call 'respect' for my fight to make porn acceptable since 1995," he added. "I hope other countries will follow."
