Nearly three decades after their landmark collaboration on *Face/Off*, Nicolas Cage and acclaimed director John Woo are reuniting for a new crime biopic titled *Gambino*. The film focuses on the life of notorious New York mob boss Carlo Gambino and is set to begin production in March 2024.
Written by George Gallo and Nick Vallelonga, *Gambino* will depict the rise of the Sicilian butcher’s son who became a dominant figure in America’s organized crime. Cage will portray Gambino, known for his quiet yet ruthless demeanor. The official synopsis reveals that the film will explore Gambino’s influence on the New York underworld and the aftermath of his death, which prompts Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Jimmy Breslin to investigate the man behind the legend.
The project has undergone significant development in recent years, now led by a new production team that includes Cassian Elwes, Edward Zeng of NextG Films, along with Robert Daly Jr. and David Lipper of Latigo Films. Zeng emphasized the project’s ambition, stating, “At NextG Films, our vision is to unite the finest creative talents of Hollywood with the bold entrepreneurial spirit of Silicon Valley. Together, we aim to deliver an epic cinematic experience that brings audiences back to the theater again and again.”
The film is being financed by NextG Films, with Cage also taking on a producer role alongside Gallo and Vallelonga. This collaboration signals a significant venture for the company, which recently launched a $100 million film investment fund.
In an interesting twist, Cage’s former co-star from *Face/Off*, John Travolta, portrayed another infamous mob figure, John Gotti, in the film *Gotti*, released in 2018.
As excitement builds for *Gambino*, questions continue to arise about the much-speculated sequel to *Face/Off*. In a recent interview, Cage mentioned that discussions regarding the sequel with director Adam Wingard have occurred. He hinted at a complex narrative involving the children of Castor Troy and Sean Archer, suggesting that the sequel could introduce new layers to the story.
Cage expressed confidence in Wingard’s vision, stating he appreciates the director’s cinematic acumen and ability to respect the source material. The potential for a *Face/Off* sequel remains a topic of interest among fans, especially with the unique story elements Cage has proposed.
With *Gambino*, Cage and Woo are set to rekindle the magic that made their previous collaboration a classic, promising a gripping portrayal of power, legacy, and the complexities of the mob life. As the film gears up for production, audiences eagerly await the return of these two cinematic icons.
