A Hawaii-based crime drama directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Dwayne Johnson, and Emily Blunt has been picked up for distribution by 20th Century Studios, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Set to be written by journalist and author Nick Bilton, the untitled project, described as being in the same vein as Goodfellas and The Departed, will follow the rise of an aspiring mob boss in the 60s and 70s as he launches a campaign of violence against rival gangs and outside corporations to take control of the islands’ underworld and preserve his ancestral homeland.
Based on a true story, the idea for the film was developed by Johnson and Blunt before being pitched to Scorsese and DiCaprio, with plans for Johnson and Bilton to write a book about the historical events as well.
The star-studded package went on the market in February, leading to multiple bids from several studios, before finding a home at the Disney-owned 20th Century Studios.
Johnson and Blunt had previously starred together in Disney’s Jungle Cruise and will reunite in A24’s upcoming The Smashing Machine. Scorsese and DiCaprio have several other projects in development, including an adaptation of The Devil In The White City, which was also picked up by 20th Century Studios.
Johnson, Blunt, Scorsese, DiCaprio, and Bilton will all serve as producers on the project, along with Dany Garcia, Lisa Frechette, and Rick Yorn.
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