Emily Blunt and Dwayne Johnson are collaborating again following their work on The Smashing Machine, this time joining forces with renowned director Martin Scorsese for a new mob drama. Blunt has described the project as
“the last great American mob story,”
setting high expectations for the film’s narrative and scope. Their partnership is drawing attention as this Martin Scorsese mob drama gains momentum.
A Dark Tale of Hawaiian Crime Boss Wilford “Nappy” Pulawa
The film’s story, penned by Nick Bilton, is inspired by the true story of Wilford “Nappy” Pulawa, the notorious leader of a Hawaiian crime syndicate known as The Company during the 1970s. Pulawa’s reign was marked by extreme violence and intense conflicts against rivals including triads and even the U.S. military. His organization wielded influence over rackets such as gambling, labor corruption, human trafficking, and drug smuggling.
Pulawa’s criminal empire eventually unraveled when he faced charges related to multiple murders, though he was ultimately imprisoned for tax evasion in 1973. After serving 15 years, he was released in 1984 but permanently barred from Nevada casinos from 1975 onward. These dramatic events provide the brutal, real-life framework for the mob drama at the story’s core.
Project Details and Creative Team
Scorsese reportedly likened the film to a Hawaiian version of Goodfellas, highlighting expectations for gritty storytelling and complex characters. Johnson’s role has been compared to Robert De Niro’s iconic character in that film, suggesting a challenging and dynamic part. Blunt mentioned,
“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.”
The production brings together a strong group of collaborators including Scorsese, Johnson, Blunt, Leonardo DiCaprio, Bilton, Dany Garcia, Lisa Frechette, and LBI Entertainment’s Rick Yorn and Chris Donnelly. This combination of talent underscores the ambition behind the project, with a Hawaiian mob epic directed by Scorsese and featuring such well-known actors and producers promising an intense gangster story.
What This New Mob Drama Could Mean for the Genre
This film represents a fresh angle on the classic American crime saga by shifting its setting to Hawaii and focusing on a lesser-known figure in organized crime history. For Scorsese, whose career has been defined by films exploring the rise and fall of mobsters, this story fits within his signature style but also offers new cultural and geographical context. With Johnson taking on a role comparable to one of De Niro’s most famous characters, expectations are high for his performance to bring depth and intensity.
The collaboration between these major film figures may reinvigorate interest in the mob drama genre, introducing audiences to a story that combines real historical events with the style of a classic gangster film. As the script develops and production progresses, this Martin Scorsese mob drama is shaping up to be a notable cinematic event.
