In 1976, Guccione used about US $17.5 million of his personal fortune to finance the controversial historical epic pornographic film, "Caligula", with Malcolm McDowell in the title role and a supporting cast including Helen Mirren, John Gielgud and Peter O'Toole. The film, released in late 1979, was produced in Italy (made at the Dear Studios in Rome) and was directed by Tinto Brass. Guccione also created the magazines "Omni", "Viva", and "Longevity". Later Guccione started "Penthouse Forum" which was more textual in content. In the early 2000s, "Penthouse" published a short-lived comic book spin-off entitled "Penthouse Comix" featuring sexually explicit stories.