David O'Russell Ditches Uncharted: Drake's Fortune

ShowBlitz has news that David O'Russell (The Fighter, Three Kings) has exited Sony's Uncharted: Drake's Fortune. David was set to write and direct the video game adaptation which he had Mark Wahlberg, Scarlett Johansson, Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci in mind for the leads. It's unknown if O'Russell's script will end up being used or if the film will still move forward. Currently O'Russell had mentioned many other films in the works that included Cocaine Cowboys and a sequel to The Fighter.

4 Hour 48 Minute Cut of Sergio Leone's Once Upon A Time In America Coming

There was previous news that Quentin Tarantino's Kill Bill: The Whole Bloody Affair would be playing at the New Beverly and likely hit stores soon after. Now there is some more amazing director's cut news. Variety reports the children of director Segrio Leone have got a hold of the rights to Once Upon A Time In America. Originally the film was expected to be two films as Leone shot around 10 hours of footage. It eventually hit Cannes in 1984 with the running time of 229 minutes but the studio had him cut it down to 134 minutes for the theater release. They will release a new cut that comes in close to 5 hours and will premiere at Cannes 2012 which will lead to a release on Blu Ray/DVD. I think more Leone is good thing I wouldn't be shocked to see more of films getting re-cuts like this in the future.

David O'Russell Wants Scarlett Johansson For Uncharted

During an interview with Empire the Oscar nominated director was asked about his upcoming action film Uncharted: Drake's Fortune. While Empire suggested Amy Adams, David mentioned Scarlett Johansson for the role of journalist Elena. It seems like a perfect fit as Johansson is going to gather a lot of heat from her role in Avengers . She was also expected to star in Pride & Prejudice & Zombies when O'Russell was on board to direct.

Mark Wahlberg is set to play Drake while Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci are still mentioned for having roles in the film.

Harvey Keitel Also Joining Martin Scorsese's Irishman

I'm just beyond shocked at the amazing cast Martin Scorsese is putting together for The Irishman. First Robert De Niro, then yesterday with the confirmation from the actor himself that Al Pacino and Poe Pesci are joining. Now De Niro tells ShowBiz411 that Harvey Keitel is also in the movie. It's another big reunion with the addition of Keitel who worked with both Robert and Scorsese on such classics as Mean Streets and Taxi Driver. While it's too early to say I believe this new film quite possibly could rival the Departed and Goodfellas in awesomeness.

De Niro Confirms Pesci & Pacino For Scorsese's The Irishman

Robert De Niro while speaking with MTV confirms that Joe Pesci and Al Pacino have roles in The Irishman. The mob film which will be directed by Martin Scorsese and written by Steve Zallian (American Gangster, Gangs of New York) is quickly becoming one of my most anticipated films in development. I think this very well might be the epic teaming of Pacino and De Niro we've all been waiting for.

Robert also reveals Eric Roth (Benjamin Button) wrote a script that involves flashbacks and could be considered for a sequel/prequel in the future.

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.

Mark Wahlberg Confirmed For Uncharted, De Niro & Pesci Offered Roles

Mark Wahlberg has confirmed to MTV during an interview that he has been cast in David O'Russell's Uncharted: Drake's Fortune. The actor nd writer/director just worked together on The Fighter which is already gathering Oscar buzz for the two along with Christian Bale who co-stars. I had Wahlberg pegged for the role as soon as O'Russell came on board to direct. I'd like to think we'll be getting a more Three Kings type of action romp from the director. Let's hope the curse of video game films will be lifted with this decent sounding one. It's expected the films could spawn into trilogy if the first one is a successful enough.


Wahlberg also confirmed previous rumors of roles being offered to Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci. While they haven't signed on the roles are being written just for them. De Niro would play Drake's father and Pesci his uncle. It would be amazing to see the two work together again since the last time was Casino.

Pacino & Pesci Could Join De Niro In Scorsese's Irishman

Deadline reports Al Pacino and Joe Pesci are circling roles in the new Martin Scorsese gangster flick The Irishman. The film is based on the novel I Heard You Paint Houses and has Robert De Niro set in the lead role as a prolific mob hitman. It's beyond exciting for the possiblity of seeing De Niro re-teaming with Joe Pesci, it would be their fourth Scorsese film together (Raging Bull, Goodfellas, Casino). Even more tempting is the chance to finally see Pacino and De Niro work magic together outside of Godfather II and Heat.