Seventeen years after cameras abruptly stopped rolling, perhaps the most notorious project in Irish film history is getting a reprieve.

American producer Barry Navidi plans to begin shooting on 'Divine Rapture', Marlon Brando's abandoned Irish comedy.

"I'm going to do it within the next six months and with a new cast and updated," said Mr Navidi who was the producer on the original and still holds the rights.

"It will be essentially the same story but this time called 'Holy Mackerel' and with different stars."

The American is hoping that Oscar-winning actor Geoffrey Rush will take the lead role. Back in 1995, Hollywood stars Johnny Depp, Debra Winger and the late Mr Brando touched down in Ballycotton in east Cork to make 'Divine Rapture'.

The film revolved around the tale of an elderly priest, played by Mr Brando, who believed in miracles.

But 'Divine Rapture' was quickly re-dubbed 'Divine Rupture' as, less than two weeks into the shoot, the production crashed to a halt due to financial problems.

However, Mr Navidi is confident he can start shooting again in Ballycotton by the end of the summer.

He is here this week as producer of Al Pacino's new Oscar Wilde-themed documentary, 'Wilde Salome', screened on Monday as part of the Jameson Dublin International Film Festival.