Robert De Niro Takes Dual Role in Barry Levinson's 'The Alto Knights'
17 January 2025

Robert De Niro Takes Dual Role in Barry Levinson's 'The Alto Knights'

The first trailer for the highly anticipated crime thriller "The Alto Knights" has been unveiled, showcasing Academy Award winner Robert De Niro in a compelling dual role as two rival mob bosses. Oscar-winning director Barry Levinson helms this gripping tale of power, betrayal, and rivalry in the criminal underworld.


A Long-Awaited Crime Epic

After spending years in development limbo, the project finally gained momentum when Warner Bros. Pictures revived it in summer 2022. The screenplay, penned by Oscar nominee Nicholas Pileggi, chronicles the fascinating true story of Italian-American crime bosses Vito Genovese and Frank Costello, who controlled separate criminal enterprises in mid-20th century New York.

Previously announced under the title "Wise Guys," the narrative centers on two former close friends whose relationship deteriorates into a deadly conflict fueled by jealousy and betrayal. The story pivots around a crucial historical event: Genovese's failed assassination attempt on Costello in 1957. This incident, which led to Costello's eventual retirement from organized crime, triggered a chain of events that would fundamentally reshape the American mafia landscape.

Star-Studded Cast and Production Team

The film features an impressive ensemble supporting De Niro's dual performance. "Will & Grace" star Debra Messing portrays Costello's wife Bobbie, while Katherine Narducci takes on the role of Anna Genovese. Rising star Cosmo Jarvis, known for his work in "Shōgun," rounds out the main cast.

Behind the cameras, the production team boasts impressive credentials. Oscar winner Irwin Winkler ("Rocky," "Goodfellas") leads the producing team alongside Barry Levinson, Jason Sosnoff, Charles Winkler, and David Winkler, with Mike Drake serving as executive producer.


De Niro's Remarkable Dual Performance

In a March 2023 interview, Levinson praised De Niro's portrayal of both characters as "incredible," noting that "it felt like working with two different actors - they were truly like two distinct individuals." This project marks the latest collaboration between De Niro and Levinson, following their successful partnerships in "The Wizard of Lies," "What Just Happened," "Wag the Dog," and "Sleepers."

The film adds to De Niro's impressive legacy in the crime genre, which includes landmark performances in "Mean Streets" (1973), "The Godfather Part II" (1974), "Goodfellas" (1990), "Casino," "A Bronx Tale," and "Heat." The involvement of screenwriter Nicholas Pileggi, author of "Wiseguy: Life in a Mafia Family" (which became "Goodfellas"), further heightens expectations for the project's quality.


Release Information

"The Alto Knights" is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on March 21, 2025.