Hey guys, Jana here,
When Martin Scorsese knows talent, he doesn’t hesitate to use it. Such is the case of the upcoming film ‘The Irishman‘ about one of the coldest cases in mafia history, the disappearance of Jimmy Hoffa. Thus far that cast consists of Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, and Joe Pesci. The unofficial additions that are currently in talks to join this wonder-cast are Harvey Keitel, and Bobby Cannavale.
This on-stage meeting of Italian greats signifies something awesome is about to be created, and I’ll be front row, center, eager to drink it all in. Pacino signed on to work with the director for the first time and will portray the unknown-fated Teamsters boss, Jimmy Hoffa. Pesci needed some time to come around to the project having turned down the part multiple times, but has since cinched a deal landing him the role of Russell Bufaloino, the Sicilian born boss of the Northeastern Pennsylvania crime family from 1959-1989, who is long thought to have some involvement in Hoffa’s disappearance. De Niro will play the man who’s memoirs have been used to create the screenplay, Frank ‘The Irishman’ Sheeran.
The book the film has it’s roots in is “I Heard You paint Houses” is based on the deathbed confessions of Frank ‘The Irishman’ Sheeran, which were then cemented into the printed biography by Charles Brandt. Sheeran claimed to have the true story behind the disappearance of Hoffa. Whether or not it was factual was decided by the FBI when they considered his confession could be truthful, so much so that they proceeded to pull up some floor boards in the house where he claimed he shot and killed the Teamster searching for DNA evidence. Samples taken were NOT from Hoffa.
The facts that are undisputed are that on July 30, 1975 Hoffa got into the vehicle of Chuckie O’Brien outside the Machus Red Fox restaurant. Anything after that is all speculation and there has been plenty of speculation since then. It’s a fascinating story and will no doubt be riveting once it’s on the big screen and told in a way only Scorsese can. Shooting begins next month and will continue throughout December.