Martin Scorsese's The Irishman Next, Steve Zallian Handling Script

DigitalSpy (via ThePlaylist) reports on some new quotes from Martin Scorsese on one of his many gestating projects The Irishman. He reveals the film is currently in the financing stage and could shoot as early as next year. The film is based on the book I Heard You Paint Houses by Charles Brandt which focuses on WWII vet/union official turned mob hitman Frank 'The Irishman' Sheeran. Robert De Niro is attached to the role of Frank and Joe Pesci will also have a role in the project. It would be the first time the three have worked together since Casino.

Martin also confirms that Steve Zallian will be working on the script. Zallian has written scripts for films like Schindler's List, American Gangster, Gangs of New York and David Fincher's The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo remake. 

While I've been dying to see the much talked about prequel and sequel to the Departed, The Irishman sounds just as thrilling if not more. I'm not sure what this means for the planned roles for both De Niro and Pesci in David O'Russell's Drake's Fortune which will star Mark Wahlberg. I expect The Irishman could end up starting production in late summer or early fall giving the actors enough time to do both films.