After Martin Scorsese’s large-scale crime thriller The Irishman in 2019, it was believed that Robert De Niro would say goodbye to gangster roles. This is not so! The 79-year-old actor, who is currently starring in ‘Daddy and Me’, will be donning the double role of a godfather in ‘Wise Boys’!
The unforgettable Jimmy Conway of Les Affranchis will slip into the costume of the iconic figures of organized crime: Vito Genovese and Frank Costello. The feature film will hit theaters on January 31, 2024.
The air of COSA NOSTRA
This drama about the Italian-American mafia in the 1950s will be directed by Barry Levinson, Rain Man and Good Morning Vietnam. In addition, the 80-year-old filmmaker has already directed De Niro in The Sleepers and The Wizard of Lies.
In 1957, Vito Genovese wants to kill Frank Costello, but his assassination attempt fails. Wounded and degraded, Costello will do anything to escape the criminal world and retire. This is a story by wise guys, scripted by a big name: Nicolas Pileg.
The story of the wise boys
The latter signed the scripts for Les Affranchis and Casino, produced by Martin Scorsese. Fun fact: the title of the book from which Les Affranchis is adapted is called Nice boy. The relationship between the 1990 film and Barry Levinson is obvious. 90-year-old Nikolas Pileg is clearly not finished in the world of gangsters. Note that this Frank Costello has nothing in common with the one portrayed by Jack Nicholson in The Departed.
In this particular case, screenwriter William Monaghan took the name of the famous mobster from this feature film, but was inspired by another criminal figure for the character: James White Bulger. The latter was the godfather of Boston’s underworld for more than 50 years until he was arrested in 2011 after a very long run.
Before we see him in this dual role, we’ll find Robert De Niro in Killers of the Flower Moon opposite Leonardo DiCaprio. This historical mural directed by Martin Scorsese is expected to be released on October 18, 2023.
Source: Allocine
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
