Joe Pesci Turns Down Role in Martin Scorsese's 'The Irishman'

Martin Scorsese (left), Joe Pesci (right) in Casino 1995
Photo via imdb.com

Coming off his last mobster film The Departed, director Martin Scorsese is returning to the genre with The Irishman. The film will be an adaptation of the book entitled "I Heard You Paint Houses," written by Charles Brandt and follows the story of Frank Sheeran (Robert De Niro), a union guy connected to the mob and the death of Jimmy Hoffa. Originally, the film was going to star Robert De Niro, Al Pacino and Joe Pesci, but it appears that Pesci has turned down the role.

Pesci's last film was 2010's Love Ranch, a relatively unknown film. He has also turned down comedian Louis C.K., so this doesn't seem to be a decision based on this particular project. Having starred in films such as Raging Bull, Casino and Goodfellas, all of which were directed by Scorsese, it appears as if Pesci just doesn't want to be a part of anything at the moment. However, according to a report by The Hollywood Reporter, Scorsese seems optimistic that they'll be able to persuade Pesci to be part of the film.

If Pesci does not return to the film, I will be very disappointed. His performances in Goodfellas and Casino are incredible and I don't believe we would see anything different in The Irishman. However, if they need to replace him, Ray Liotta (Goodfellas) or Frank Vincent (Goodfellas, Casino, Raging Bull) would be the perfect men for the job. Both have worked with Scorsese before and turn in great performances.

As it stands today, The Irishman will feature Robert De Niro (Raging Bull, Goodfellas, Casino), Al Pacino (Scarface, The Godfather), Harvey Keitel (Reservoir Dogs, Pulp Fiction), and Bobby Cannavale (Ant-Man, Chef, The Bone Collector).