One of the biggest deals at the Cannes Film Festival this year was fledging studio STX ponying up a staggering $50 million for the international rights to Martin Scorsese‘s “The Irishman.” It’s a figure that matches the huge expectations that are greeting the movie, before a frame has been shot, that will see Scorsese potentially work with a cast including Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Joe Pesci, and Harvey Keitel. However, it appears one of those names needs a bit more convincing.
According to THR, Joe Pesci has reportedly turned down Scorsese’s offer for a role in the movie. Pesci has pretty much hung up his hat from acting, and hasn’t appeared in a film since 2010’s “Love Ranch,” directed by Taylor Hackford. And Scorsese isn’t the only offer that has come knocking on Pesci’s door.
Last month Louis C.K. revealed he approached Pesci for “Horace and Pete,” and not only did he turn him down, but offered some stinging criticism (“I watched your stand-up, which I can tell you’re just trying, and you’re no good at it…quit that now”).
Can “The Irishamn” be made without Pesci? Definitely, but you have to bet that part of the reason STX plunked down $50 million was the allure of having the movie that would bring back the trio behind “Goodfellas,” “Casino,” and “Raging Bull.” Not to mention it makes marketing a slam dunk as well.
All that said, Scorsese is still hoping to twist Pesci’s arm and get him to appear in the movie, and if anybody can convince the actor to get in front of the camera again, it’s likely to be his old friend. For now, listen to Louis C.K. recount his meeting with Joe Pesci.