The enduring creative partnership between Martin Scorsese and Leonardo DiCaprio remains strong as their 2002 crime drama, Gangs of New York, becomes available for free streaming on Pluto TV. Meanwhile, Miramax is developing a television adaptation of the film, reviving the Leonardo DiCaprio gangster epic for a modern audience.
The Origins of a Legendary Collaboration
Gangs of New York marked the beginning of a dynamic collaboration between Scorsese and DiCaprio, with the film establishing DiCaprio as Scorsese’s new muse, a role once held by Robert De Niro. Interestingly, De Niro himself introduced Scorsese to DiCaprio during their time working on This Boy’s Life, which sparked the strong artistic relationship. The movie, set in the 1860s New York Five Points neighborhood, follows Amsterdam Vallon, an Irish immigrant determined to avenge his father’s death by infiltrating the gang led by William Cutting, also known as Bill The Butcher, portrayed by Daniel Day-Lewis.
“Amsterdam Vallon (DiCaprio) is a young Irish immigrant released from prison. He returns to the Five Points seeking revenge against his father’s killer, William Cutting (Day-Lewis), a powerful anti-immigrant gang leader. He knows that revenge can only be attained by infiltrating Cutting’s inner circle. Amsterdam’s journey becomes a fight for personal survival and to find a place for the Irish people in 1860’s New York.”
— Synopsis of Gangs of New York
Miramax’s Revival and Expansion Plans
Fans eager for more storytelling in this gritty universe can anticipate a fresh television series based on Gangs of New York, currently in early stages of development by Miramax. This initiative forms part of a larger effort by the studio to reinterpret several of its notable titles, including The English Patient, Chocolat, and The Holdovers. These projects aim to honor Miramax’s acclaimed film heritage while distancing the company from previous controversies involving former owner Harvey Weinstein. As of now, no directors, actors, or additional creative contributors have been announced for the Gangs of New York series.
Upcoming Collaborations Between Scorsese and DiCaprio
Beyond the reboot, Martin Scorsese and Leonardo DiCaprio are gearing up for new joint ventures. They will collaborate on a film adaptation of Peter Cameron’s novel What Happens at Night, a psychological horror narrative scripted by Patrick Marber. The plot centers on an American couple traveling to Europe for an adoption, where their stay in a vast, mostly empty hotel triggers eerie encounters that strain their marriage. Jennifer Lawrence joins DiCaprio for this first-time pairing, with production slated to begin next year. Additionally, DiCaprio is set to star in Scorsese’s forthcoming crime drama set in Hawaii, sharing the screen with Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt, promising another intense chapter in their partnership.
Where to Watch
In the meantime, viewers can revisit Gangs of New York at no cost on Pluto TV, providing a perfect opportunity to experience the original film before the new adaptation reaches audiences.
Principal Cast Highlights
The film’s cast features Leonardo DiCaprio as Amsterdam Vallon, bringing complex intensity to the role. Cameron Diaz also stars, adding to the layered character dynamics within the storyline. Daniel Day-Lewis’s portrayal of William Cutting delivers a commanding and unforgettable villainous presence that critics and viewers often cite as a standout performance.
