Prepare for double the drama as Hollywood icon Robert De Niro returns to his roots in the crime genre, playing two roles in the highly anticipated film The Alto Knights. This new project, directed by Barry Levinson and based on the true rivalry of two infamous mobsters, is set to hit theaters on March 21, 2025. The film will see De Niro portray mob bosses Frank Costello and Vito Genovese, exploring their tumultuous relationship through the lens of their duality.
Images released from the set showcase De Niro as the bloodied and beaten gangster, embodying the grit and intensity of his characters. One of the newly released images, published by Empire, shows De Niro slumped against a broken mirror, capturing the raw violence and high stakes of organized crime.
De Niro reflects on his roles, sharing the intrigue of playing two distinct yet interrelated characters. “The idea of playing the two different characters was intriguing to me,” he said. “They’re like two different sides of the same coin. One is more rational, more diplomatic. That’s the Costello character. The Genovese character is more erratic, more impulsive.” The nuanced portrayal highlights their shared history as friends turned rivals, setting the stage for dramatic conflict.
Set against the backdrop of mid-20th Century New York City, The Alto Knights chronicles the complex dynamics between Costello and Genovese, whose lives intertwine amid shady dealings and betrayal. The film follows the aftermath of an assassination attempt orchestrated by Genovese on Costello. While the hit fails, it effectively shatters their friendship, instigates violent power struggles, and permanently alters the criminal underworld.
Much to De Niro’s excitement, he is not only revisiting the gangster genre but also taking on the unique challenge of portraying two mob bosses with contrasting personalities. This dynamic is sure to provide rich, dramatic substance, with Levinson noting the dichotomy between Costello and Genovese's characters. “Two guys were almost one, then they suddenly not only divide, but ultimate become enemies,” Levinson explained, emphasizing the inherent tension between De Niro's roles.
Produced by Irwin Winkler, the film's screenplay is penned by Nicholas Pileggi, renowned for his work on Goodfellas and Casino. Pileggi's involvement adds credibility and depth to the narrative, promising audiences a blend of authenticity and artistry. Other major roles include Debra Messing as Bobbie Costello and Kathrine Narducci as Anna Genovese, underscoring the significance of familial ties within the mob narrative.
De Niro’s affinity for portraying mobsters is well-established, with acclaimed performances throughout his career, from the iconic Vito Corleone in The Godfather Part II to his portrayal of Al Capone in The Untouchables. With The Alto Knights, he immerses himself even more deeply by stepping simultaneously back and forth between two legendary figures from New York's organized crime history.
Of course, De Niro's eagerness to embody both characters stems from their dramatic contrasts, with each role allowing him to bring forth different facets of his acting prowess. “It was really spontaneous,” winkler recalled of De Niro’s dual casting, noting the natural fit of De Niro for both personas.
Looking forward, De Niro’s career continues to flourish with multiple projects lined up. He stars as a former U.S. president investigating the cyberattack aftermath in the upcoming Netflix series Zero Day and will appear alongside Jamie Foxx and Scott Eastwood in the action thriller Tin Soldier. Fans are also hopeful for the return of his Jack Byrnes character in another installment of Meet the Parents.
The anticipation surrounding The Alto Knights speaks to De Niro's firm place within the gangster genre, as well as the appeal of bringing these storied characters back to the forefront of cinematic narratives. Their notorious lifestyles and rivalry promise to resonate with audiences, exploring themes of loyalty, power, and betrayal embedded deep within the mob's heart.
With its March release looming, The Alto Knights is set to thrill fans not only because of its star-studded cast but also its connection to real-life Mafia history. De Niro’s portrayal of both Costello and Genovese is bound to offer viewers an enthralling experience, delving deep within the psyche of mob leadership.