As we reported a few days ago, Martin Scorsese's glorious return to the crime genre is now officially happening with a huge cast rowing in behind him.
As well as reteaming with Robert DeNiro and Harvey Keitel, Al Pacino will also join the cast of the film - marking the first time either have worked with one another in their entire career. However, one name who reportedly won't be joining the soiree is Joe Pesci. According to reports, Pesci was offered a substantial role by Scorsese - but turned it down.
The Irishman is based on the novel I Heard You Paint Houses, which follows the exploits of real-life hitman Frank 'The Irishman' Sheeran. It's not precisely known what role Pesci would play in the film, however it was expected that Pesci would have a top-line billing. Scorsese, however, is confident he can get Pesci to sign on when the film nears production.
Pesci hasn't starred in a film since 2010's little-seen Love Ranch, directed by Taylor Hackford. Before that, his last film was The Good Shepherd - which was directed by Robert DeNiro.
It should really come as no surprise that Pesci backed away from The Irishman. For one thing, he's more or less retired from acting entirely. Louis CK famously offered him a role on his online-only show, Horace & Pete, which he refused out of hand. If you read our long-read on him, you'll know that Pesci was also offered a role in a biopic about real-life gangster John Gotti - which ended up being embroiled in a legal battle.
Not only that, Pesci's always been somewhat apathetic about acting as a whole. At 73 years of age, maybe Joe Pesci just isn't arsed with getting back into the film world.
After all, what's he got left to prove?
Via THR