The hierarchy in Martin Scorsese‘s filmography is about to change. Dwayne Johnson has officially confirmed that he will star in the Oscar-winning filmmaker’s untitled Hawaiian-set mafia movie.
In a statement on X, Johnson wrote the following:
“Grateful for what’s been the most creatively inspiring time of my career – working closely with my friends and of course, the maestro Marty Scorsese. In the 60’s, 70’s & 80’s the mafia controlled New York, Miami, Chicago, Vegas, and a particularly strong hold on the island I was raised – Hawaii. Much more to come. Aloha nui loa.”
You can check out his post below.
Grateful for what’s been the most creatively inspiring time of my career – working closely with my friends and of course, the maestro Marty Scorsese.
In the 60’s, 70’s & 80’s the mafia controlled New York, Miami, Chicago, Vegas, and a particularly strong hold on the island I was… pic.twitter.com/sydqzXsC70
— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) March 13, 2025
Goodfellas Meets The Departed
Announced in February 2025, the untitled drama has been described as a Hawaii-set Goodfellas: “Imagine Robert De Niro’s Jimmy the Gent character from Goodfellas, but as a ruthless Hawaiian crime boss, based on a real figure, who battled encroaching rivals for control of organized crime in Hawaii.” Nick Bilton will write the screenplay for the movie, which also has Leonardo DiCaprio and Emily Blunt attached to star.
Here are some more plot details: “In 1960s and 70s Hawaii, this formidable and charismatic mob boss rises to build the islands’ most powerful criminal empire, waging a brutal war against mainland corporations and rival syndicates while fighting to preserve his ancestral land. It’s based on the untold true story of a man who fought to preserve his homeland through a ruthless quest for absolute power — igniting the last great American mob saga, where the war for cultural survival takes place in the unlikeliest of places: paradise.”
It’s unclear when exactly this movie might go into production since Scorsese and DiCaprio are also in development on two other movies: Home for Apple and Devil in the White City for 20th Century Studios. We’ll keep you posted as to which movie goes ahead first.
Are you ready for Scorsese to get an Oscar-worthy performance out of Johnson?
