Robert De Niro is set to return to the world of mafia films with his upcoming project, The Alto Knights, scheduled for theatrical release on March 21, 2025. The highly-anticipated film, directed by Barry Levinson, is billed as a biographical crime drama centered on the notorious rivalry between two of the most infamous crime bosses of mid-20th-century New York, Frank Costello and Vito Genovese, both portrayed by De Niro himself.
This marks Levinson’s first feature film since 2021, and with De Niro leading the cast, expectations are high. The film's narrative promises to explore the complex dynamics of friendship and rivalry as Genovese and Costello strive for control over New York City's organized crime scene.
The Alto Knights will officially debut on March 21, with Thursday night previews available the day before. It runs for 123 minutes, fitting the traditional mode of gangster cinema, and it has earned an R rating for its mature content and intense violence. Viewers can catch the film not only in standard 2D format but also with closed captions and in IMAX, ensuring diverse viewing options for all audiences.
De Niro, recognized for his iconic portrayals of real-life mobsters like Al Capone and Jimmy Conway, comments on his dual roles, saying, "A lot of the history of what they actually were known for, what they did, ... there was enough for me on Genovese and Costello." His comprehensive research included reading various books, digging deep to bring authenticity to his performances.
Debra Messing, who plays Bobbie Costello, reflects on the unique opportunity to appear alongside De Niro. "I met [Bob] for the first time when I was 25 years old and ... it was one of my first auditions for film," she recalls, reminiscing about initially vying for the role of Ginger McKenna in the 1995 film Casino, which eventually went to Sharon Stone. Now, 30 years later, she shares the screen with De Niro and celebrates what she terms as "a full-circle moment."
Messing’s performance brings depth to the often overlooked female perspectives within gangster narratives. "The thing [that] struck me was ... I didn't know the story, and ... the character of Bobbie was such an atypical wife of a mafioso," she states, emphasizing the strength and capability of her character.
This collaborative dynamic extended beyond just their roles; during their scenes together, Messing was thrown off by De Niro’s improvisational style. "When we actually read together ... the third line in, Bob started improvising ... and I thought, ‘What's going on? This isn't the scene I learned,’" she admitted. But, encouraged by the atmosphere De Niro created, she dived right back and embraced the spontaneity of the moment.
Fetching attention with its compelling story and stellar cast, The Alto Knights intends to pay homage to the historical significance of its characters. De Niro's dual portrayal of Genovese and Costello reveals the actor's deep interest not only to educate but also to meld history with entertainment.
The film will make its way to streaming services after its theatrical run, likely appearing on Max sometime around June 2025. Digital rentals will also be offered through various video-on-demand platforms like Amazon and VUDU following the end of the theatrical exclusivity period, depending on the film's box office performance.
The chance to reconnect with audiences through cinema is not lost on the cast of The Alto Knights. Events like the recent SiriusXM Town Hall, hosted by Andy Cohen, featured the film’s cast discussing their experiences, with Messing highlighting the fluid chemistry present on set and De Niro sharing personal insights, including his fondness for family programs like "Ms. Rachel" alongside his daughter.
Following its theatrical release, The Alto Knights could set the stage for future explorations of mafia-centric narratives, engaging viewers familiar with the genre and attracting new audiences intrigued by the confluence of history and drama. With its riveting talent and compelling storyline, the film is poised to join the ranks of great mafia films.
Mark your calendars for March 21, 2025, to witness Robert De Niro's much-awaited return to the gangster genre and the gripping tale of two iconic figures poised at the pinnacle of Mafia history.
