At one time set to be directed by Barry Levinson with Johnny Depp and Joel Edgerton starring, the Whitey Bulger drama “Black Mass” was shut down and seemed like one of those projects that may be forever troubled. Well, scratch that. Last month, it burbled back to life with Depp circled and “Out Of The Furnace” director Scott Cooper attached to helm, and just a couple of weeks later, the project is moving full steam ahead.
Deadline reports that not only is Depp now confirmed for “Black Mass,” but Tom Hardy is in early talks to co-star. Yes, please. Based on the bestselling book by Dick Lehr and Gerald O’Neill, “Black Mass: The True Story of an Unholy Alliance Between the FBI and the Irish Mob,” and penned by Mark Mallouk, the film will tell the story of one of the FBI’s Most Wanted men and the fearsome leader of the The Winter Hill Gang, who counted murder and racketeering among his crimes. He was also an apparent informant to the FBI, which lends this tale a curious twist.
Depp will play Bulger, while Hardy will take the role of FBI agent John Connolly, a childhood friend who tipped off Bulger that he was going to be prosecuted, leading the gangster to go on the run.
So yes, this sounds great and even better, it’s happening very soon. Production on the movie is slated to start in May.