News: "Entourage" Star to Direct Travolta in Gotti Biopic

The long-in-development John Gotti biopic is finally close to production. Entourage actor Kevin Connolly has been set to direct the biopic about infamous New York City mobster John Gotti at Emmett/Furla/Oasis Films, Fiore Films and Herrick Entertainment.

The story, with the latest draft written by Leo Rossi and Lem Dobbs, will focus on the relationship between John Gotti Sr., the head of the Gambino crime family who died in prison in 2002, and his son John Gotti Jr. who took over the family business. The younger Gotti served time in prison, but then successfully escaped conviction in four subsequent racketeering trials.

John Travolta has been attached to play Gotti Sr. for quite awhile and remains attached in the starring role thus far. The production is planning to begin production in January. Lionsgate Premiere will release the film domestically.

Many high profile names have been linked to the film over the years including Al Pacino, Joe Pesci, and Anthony Hopkins, along with filmmakers like Nick Cassavetes, Joe Johnston, and Barry Levinson. Funding was always the primary issue. 

Johnny Depp's much buzzed about turn as Whitey Bulger in the upcoming Black Mass may or may not have had something to do with the film finally finding its funding.

Connolly has previously directed ESPNs 30/30 documentary Big Shot, which told the story of John Spano, the Dallas businessman who actually completed an acquisition of the New York Islanders, until he was exposed as a con man. Connolly also directed episodes of Entourage for HBO and helmed the small film Gardener of Eden. He grew up on Long Island reading about Gotti on the front pages of the Post and Daily News. He is represented by UTA and 3 Arts Management.

Source: Deadline