There’s been a lot of controversy surrounding the upcoming biopic, Gotti: Three Generations. First there was the “will she or won’t she” casting of Linsday Lohan, then the exit of the film’s director Nick Cassevetes. Despite its rocky start the producers and star John Travolta have stayed positive and continued to develop the film for the big screen. That persistence has paid off. According to Variety, Barry Levinson will takeover directing duties for the drama. Who saw that coming?
If you’re having a hard time keeping up with the rollercoaster pre-production here’s the breakdown: Nick Cassevetes was originally set to direct but had to drop out because of prior commitments. Next, Lindsay Lohan was attached to play the role of Victoria Gotti, the daughter of the late John Gotti. Shortly after her appearance at a press conference for the film, it was announced that she wouldn’t be playing Victoria, instead she’ll tackle Kim Gotti, the first wife of John Gotti Jr.
Today, the trades are reporting that Barry Levinson, who previously directed Rain Man, Bugsy, and Diner (just to name a few) will takeover as director of the film. This hiring came completely out of left field, as Gotti appeared to be bursting at the seams. The biopic will cover the rise of Gotti in the mafia underworld, and the story will be told from his point of view. John Gotti died in prison in 2002.
The rest of the cast of Gotti: Three Generations is said to include Joe Pesci and Ella Bleu Travolta (John’s daughter). We don’t know how we feel about this movie yet. It has some great and not so great talent attached to it. We’ll try to give it the benefit of the doubt. What do you think of Levinson’s attachment to Gotti? Do you think he’s the right choice?
