Martin Scorsese film 'The Irishman' starring Robert De Niro and Al Pacino to be released in 2018

Image from The Film Stage

By Darian Scalamoni

            We’ve been hearing of the dream machine upcoming film The Irishman that will bring together legendary director Martin Scorsese (Goodfellas, Raging Bull) with frequent collaborator Robert De Niro and Al Pacino but today, according to Deadline, we have a release date for the long awaited project. The film, which is based on the true-crime book I Heard You Paint Houses based on the story of mob hitman, Frank “The Irishman” Sheeran will start production next year to have a late 2018 domestic release date.

            The story within the novel was told by Sheeran on his deathbed as he had insider knowledge on the disappearance and death of Jimmy Hoffa. The Irishman will be written by Steve Zaillian, who previously teamed with Scorsese before on Gangs of New York. We learned back earlier in the summer that the movie could be visual effects heavy, including the effects used on Brad Pitt during The Curious Case of Benjamin Button to make lead actors De Niro and Pacino look younger in flashback scenes. Unfortunately, Joe Pesci was originally attached to appear in the film as well but that stance has since changed as of now as he is not listed to be a part of the project.

            Scorsese’s next film, Silence starring Andrew Garfield and Liam Neeson still doesn’t have a release date and though he’s primed as an awards director due to his fantastic work behind the camera, there still hasn’t been a trailer. This might mean that the movie could be pushed to next year instead of a late year release for the religion based drama.

            This news going forward though about The Irishman is fantastic because the movie had been in talks for years and it is now finally happening. This will be 8^th time that Scorsese will work with De Niro and their previous works together include classic films like Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, Goodfellas, Cape Fear and Casino. Pacino on the other hand, has NEVER worked with Scorsese and that’s very exciting because their styles fit perfectly together. The Irishman will mark the third time Pacino and De Niro have starred in a film together as they previously starred together in Heat and Righteous Kill.