Martin Scorsese has been trying to get based-on-truth mob tale The Irishman on to screens for nearly a decade now, staying on target despite financing issues, casting quibbles and even some controversy over the subject matter's legitimacy. And now his patience is being rewarded, as in addition to Robert De Niro and Al Pacino (who is still making his deal to appear), the cast will include Joe Pesci, Harvey Keitel and Bobby Cannavale.
Adapted from Charles Brandt’s book I Heard You Paint Houses, ("painting houses" being slang for victims' blood spray) the film will follow the life of mob hit man Frank “The Irishman” Sheeran (De Niro), whose career allegedly included the slaying of union leader Jimmy Hoffa.
Netflix stepped in to back the movie after Paramount decided to step away over budget concerns. And Pesci in particular has been hard to nail down; despite being a Scorsese veteran, Deadline reports that he said no to the role of Philadelphia Mafia boss Russell Bufalino many times before finally agreeing to the role. The Irishman also represents something of an Avengers-style team up, the first time Scorsese has worked with all the iconic actors in one movie.
With a script by Steven Zaillian, Scorsese will start shooting next month in and around New York.