Directed by “Wag the Dog” and “Rain Man” filmmaker Barry Levinson and adapted by Nicholas Pileggi, best known for his work as a writer or producer on “Goodfellas,” “Casino” and “The Irishman,” the movie follows De Niro as Frank Costello and Vito Genovese, childhood friends who became two of New York’s most notorious organized crime bosses.

Between Robert De Niro in The Alto Knights, Theo James in The Monkey, Robert Pattinson in Mickey 17, and Michael B. Jordan in the upcoming Sinners, audiences are seeing a lot of dual performances on the big screen in the first half of 2025. De Niro’s turn will not be remembered as a highlight of the trend.

Goodfellas' and 'Casino' screenwriter Nicholas Pileggi brings a wealth of Mafia knowledge to a movie that traffics in constant nods to other gangster classics.