FIRST OFF . . .

Reclusive super star Marlon Brando is expected to return to the screen after an eight-year hiatus as star and screenwriter of “Jericho,” a “multilayered political thiller” tentatively scheduled to begin filming in Mexico, Panama, Colombia and Washington, D.C., later this year. The script by Brando--long active in liberal political causes--is said to deal with U.S. involvement in Central America. He is said to be playing the role of a CIA agent. Brando has long been active in civil-rights issues, including controversial support of the American Indian Movement activist group and other Native American causes. A two-time Oscar winner, Brando refused to accept his 1973 Academy Award for “The Godfather.” His last screen appearance was in 1980, in “The Formula,” the story of manipulation of world energy supplies by a multinational oil company. Palisades Entertainment, an independent production company, is financing the “Jericho” venture. Palisades co-owner Elliott Kastner was previously involved with Brando in the films “Night of the Following Day,” “The Nightcomers” and “The Missouri Breaks.”