Robert DeNiro Is Set to Star Opposite Himself in New Mob Drama WISE GUYS
Robert De Niro is set to star in a new mob drama for Warner Bros. titled Wise Guys, with Barry Levinson (Rain Man, Sleepers, Wag The Dog) directing.
Wise Guys is a period piece that tells the story of “Vito Genovese and Frank Costello, a pair of Italian Americans running two separate crime families during the mid-20th century. Genovese tried and failed to assassinate Costello in 1957, though the latter wound up taking his leave from the mob after being injured during the attempt on his life.”
It’s said that De Niro will be taking on both key roles in the film. This seems like an interesting project for the actor, and I’m curious to see how he handles bringing these mobsters to life.
The script for the film comes from Goodfellas scribe Nicholas Pileggi, who also wrote the 1985 book Wiseguy: Life in a Mafia Family, which is the book that Martin Scorsese's Goodfellas is based on.
Wise Guys seems like an interesting, unexpected project for WB, which under new president and CEO David Zaslav, who has been cutting and shelving projects. He’s said that he’s looking to push films that will make money, but Wise Guys doesn’t seem to have the makings of a big tentpole film that will make a ton of money.
Don’t get me wrong, I love mob movies, and this one sounds like it could be a great one! But, it’s not the kind of movie that would attract a big audience. Regardless, I’ll be looking forward to watching it!
Source: Deadline