Twenty years ago, Martin Scorsese and Miramax released “Gangs Of New York” to solid acclaim and box-office numbers. Most critics thought it fell short of Scorsese’s most triumphant works but praised the film’s densely realized sets and costume design. Still, critics and audiences couldn’t help but think: the 167-minute theatrical cut, and even Scorsese’s 3+ hour workprint of the film, wasn’t enough time to properly tell the Five Points saga.
So, for those who still remember and adore “Gangs Of New York,” here’s some surprising news. Deadline reports that Miramax Television has a high-profile TV series project based on Herbert Asbury‘s 1927 book “The Gangs Of New York” ready for the streaming marketplace. What’s more: Scorsese is attached to executive produce the series and direct its first two episodes. “Shantaram” writer Brett Leonard pens the series, and it’s a new take on the source material. So, for those expecting a return of Daniel Day-Lewis‘s Bill “The Butcher” Cutting or Leonardo DiCaprio‘s Amsterdam Vallon, ’tis not to be.
This new series isn’t the first time Miramax has tried to adapt “The Gangs Of New York” to TV. Back in 2013, Miramax and GK Films had a show in development that followed organized gangs not only in New York but Chicago and New Orleans, as well, chronicling the birth of organized crime in the US. “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,” Scorsese said in 2013 after the show’s announcement. “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.” Obviously, that show never materialized.
But Leonard’s series script may have a better chance of getting made. Scorsese reportedly responded well to Leonard’s story, which caused him to hop on board as executive producer and director. Leonard also executive produces with Scorsese’s managers Rick Yorn and Chris Donnelly. The project hits the streaming marketplace next month.
For those who don’t know, Asbury’s book, and Scorsese’s 2002 film, details the network of rival gangs that ravaged New York in the mid to late-1800s, generations before the Italian-American Mafia dominated the area during 1920s Prohibition. Scorsese helped cover that ground in HBO‘s “Boardwalk Empire,” with the director winning an Emmy for directing the pilot episode. Scorsese’s other recent TV work includes “Vinyl,” which last only one season on HBO.
So, does this new TV version of “Gangs Of New York” have legs? Miramax and Scorsese find out once streamers get to bid on the project next month.
