Scheider’s last film may be finished

are in discussions with leading digital effects companies to complete the final key scene without him.

The thriller, written and directed by Joshua Newton, is set to premiere at the Venice International Film Festival later this year.

Scheider, twice nominated for an Oscar, had hoped this would prove to be a comeback role for him, according to friends who were gathering this weekend near Scheider’s home in Sag Harbor, N.Y., to celebrate his work and his life.