Netflix has acquired the rights to Martin Scorsese's gangster movie The Irishman, starring Robert De Niro and Al Pacino, reports Variety.
The Irishman will reportedly see De Niro play real-life mob hitman Frank “The Irishman” Sheeran. Sheeran notoriously murdered 25 people and also claimed to have had a hand in the infamous disappearance of union leader Jimmy Hoffa, who mysteriously vanished in 1975.
If Netflix were to make the purchase, it's widely believed Scorsese will plan for a budget of around $150M to make the movie — mainly because he plans to "digitally de-age" De Niro to play the role.
The movie, based on Charles Brandt's 2004 book, I Heard You Paint Houses, will be the ninth collaboration between Scorsese and De Niro. Scorsese and De Niro first partnered in Mean Streets in 1973, followed by Taxi Driver, New York, New York, Raging Bull, The King of Comedy, Goodfellas, Cape Fear and 1995’s Casino.
The acquisition would be Netflix's most high-profile to date, following a number of popular originals like Strangers Things and Narcos. Stay tuned for more information.
In other news, filming has officially started on the as-yet untitled Han Solo Star Wars movie.
