The versatile and ever-passionate Martin Scorsese has partnered with Miramax studios in order to revive his Oscar-nominated film Gangs of New York after more than a decade since its initial release. The project, which originally centred on the rise of organized crime in late 19th century New York, will allow the rich American heritage to be explored via the medium of television, and by the sounds of things, Scorsese can’t wait to get started.
Here’s what he had to say to Variety:
“This time and era of America’s history and heritage is rich with characters and stories that we could not fully explore in a two-hour film. A television series allows us the time and creative freedom to bring this colorful world, and all the implications it had and still does on our society, to life.”
According to the statement, the series will take place after the events of the film, which starred the likes of Leonardo DiCaprio, Daniel-Day Lewis and Cameron Diaz. It’s a great story – in fact, Gangs of New York accumulated 10 Oscar nominations – and sets itself against the barbaric period in history known as the New York Draft Riots. The televised continuation is hoping to expand geographically to include cities such as New Orleans and Boston which, given Scorsese’s esteemed history in the crime genre, is an exciting prospect no doubt.
It’s too early to say what actors will be involved in the production; what’s more, the TV adaption for Gangs of New York is still without a network station to call home. In saying that, Martin Scorsese is no stranger to the medium, what with the continuing success of his bootlegging drama Boardwalk Empire, so you can well imagine that a station such as HBO, for example, will snap up this property while it’s hot.
In the meantime, keep one eye on the festive calendar as Martin Scorsese returns with his latest film The Wolf of Wall Street, which also stars Gangs of New York’s Leonardo DiCaprio. Though the actor may be too big for Miramax’s potential TV show now, it’ll be interesting to see who gets the casting call in the coming months.
What’s your opinion on the proposed TV adaption? Does the film lend itself to being serialised and expanded? Let us know down below!
