Martin Scorsese’s next feature film, The Irishman will be a Netflix exclusive reuniting him with long time collaborator Robert De Niro.
The New York native is easily one of the most celebrated directors of all time and one of the rare filmmakers who can say that he’s not made a shit film in his career (yet).
Following up from his latest theatrical release, Silence, The Irishman will see Scorsese return to the murky world of organised crime with De Niro, who’s own body of work with Scorsese reads like a ‘Best Films of All Time’ list (i.e. Raging Bull, The Comedian, Goodfellas).
The Irishman will be based on the account of a mob hitman’s involvement in the murder of Jimmy Hoffa. De Niro will play the role of Frank ‘The Irishman’ Sheeran – who is definitely not related to Ed Sheeran.
The film was originally meant to be released via Paramount and Netflix have yet to comment on the collaboration with Scorsese but according to an IndieWire source:
Scorsese’s movie is a risky deal, and Paramount is not in the position to take risks. This way, he can make the project he wants.
It’s even more surprising to find out the cast will include the likes of Al Pacino (who will play Hoffa), Joe ‘I’m funny like a clown?‘ Pecsi and Harvey Kitel. We’d really like to know what the executives at Paramount we’re smoking to pass up this film.
Maybe they saw the last time De Niro and Pacino we’re in a film together (Righteous Kill) and said ‘Thanks, but no thanks’.
Netflix remains the top dog in the (legal) online streaming game with its 93.8 million subscribers, despite facing stiff competition from the likes of Amazon Prime and Hulu.
Securing an exclusive, original release with one of the finest directors of our generation all but certifies that no one’s touching them anytime soon.
Check out the trailer for Scorsese’s last film Silence below.
Filming for The Irishman has already started with a 2018 release date on the horizon.
