John Woo and Nicolas Cage Reunite 30 Years After FACE/OFF for New York Crime Epic GAMBINO
Nearly three decades after delivering one of the wildest action thrillers of the ‘90s, Face/Off, John Woo and Nicolas Cage are teaming up again for Gambino, a gritty new crime biopic about one of New York’s most powerful mob figures, Carlo Gambino.
The film, written by George Gallo (Bad Boys) and Oscar winner Nick Vallelonga (Green Book), is being launched for international sales by WME Independent at this week’s American Film Market.
In Gambino, Cage takes on the role of Carlo Gambino, a butcher’s son from Sicily who ascends to rule New York’s criminal underworld with an iron will and quiet control.
The story begins after Gambino’s death sends shockwaves through the city, as Pulitzer-winning journalist Jimmy Breslin retraces his life to uncover the man behind the myth.
Through the words of those who loved and feared him, Breslin uncovers how this immigrant outsider reshaped the meaning of power, loyalty, and the American Dream.
Gambino was a dominant force in organized crime for more than five decades, leading the infamous Gambino crime family until his death in 1976.
The project has been in the works for a few years, but Gambino has now been completely retooled with Woo in the director’s chair and Cage leading the cast.
Producers Cassian Elwes and Edward Zeng, who launched a $100 million film fund last year, are aiming to blend Hollywood creativity with cutting-edge tech entrepreneurship. Zeng said:
“At NextG Film, our vision is to unite the finest creative talents of Hollywood with the bold entrepreneurial spirit of Silicon Valley. Together, we aim to deliver an epic cinematic experience that brings audiences back to the theater again and again — an experience that not only entertains, but inspires people to reflect on the world we live in today. Humanity stands at a crossroads.
“Through powerful storytelling and innovative artistry, we hope to remind everyone that the future is ours to shape, and it is our shared responsibility to make it better.”
This reunion between Woo and Cage is something fans will love to see. If their track record says anything, Gambino is going to be an explosive return to form for both.
Source; Deadline