Dwayne Johnson is set to take on a dramatic new role as a mob boss in Martin Scorsese‘s latest untitled film, marking a notable shift in his acting career. The film, currently in development, will explore a turbulent chapter of organized crime in Hawaii, highlighting Johnson’s evolving choice of challenging roles.
Emily Blunt Shares Insights on the Project and Johnson’s Role
Emily Blunt, who stars alongside Johnson in the upcoming MMA biopic The Smashing Machine, described Johnson’s role as “terribly exciting” and a departure from his usual characters. She spoke about the project’s significance and the story’s fresh take on American mob narratives.
We’re developing it right now. It’s a really astonishing story,
Blunt told Deadline.
It’s the last great American mob story, and I can’t believe it hasn’t been told yet. It’s a terribly exciting role for [Johnson] to kind of dig into. So, it’s being written, we’re working on it. And that’s the wonderful part, is building it.
– Emily Blunt
Film Details: A New Angle on Mob History in Hawaii
The storyline centers on Johnson portraying a ruthless Hawaiian crime boss who competes against rival factions for control over the island’s underworld during a chaotic period. His character draws inspiration from the archetype of Robert De Niro’s Jimmy the Gent in Goodfellas, repositioned within the unique cultural setting of Hawaii.
Robert De Niro’s Jimmy the Gent character from Goodfellas, but as a ruthless Hawaiian crime boss, based on a real figure, who battled encroaching rivals for control of organized crime in Hawaii.
– Deadline report
The film is set against the backdrop of a fierce power struggle where an aspiring mob leader fights to dominate organized crime across the Hawaiian islands.
Key Collaborators and Screenplay Development
Alongside Johnson and Blunt, Leonardo DiCaprio, a frequent collaborator with Scorsese, will star in the film. Journalist Nick Bilton is penning the screenplay, crafting this new mob tale that Scorsese has described as the last untold great story of American organized crime.
This project will follow Scorsese’s 2023 release, Killers of the Flower Moon, which starred DiCaprio, Lily Gladstone, and Robert De Niro. That film focused on the tragic murders of the Osage people in 1920s Oklahoma tied to oil wealth.
Waiting for the Release and Future Prospects
While no release date has been announced for Scorsese’s upcoming movie, anticipation is building around Johnson’s transformation into a crime boss and how the story will expand on less-explored areas of American mob history. Fans are eager to see this collaboration and how Johnson’s role will redefine his screen persona.
