It is not a sure thing whether Martin Scorsese’s The Irishman will have a theatrical release.
Shooting is already underway for the much anticipated Netflix picture which will see a rare on screen collaboration between two acting legends, Al Pacino and Robert De Niro.
However, there is no guarantee that this big budget mobster flick will make it to theatres, even though Scorsese all but demanded that Netflix give the film a traditional release in 2019.
And Variety reports that Scott Stuber, Netflix’s film division chief, has assured the director that the movie would receive a minimum two week theatrical window – which would allow The Irishman to qualify for Oscar consideration.
However, the head of publicity over at Netflix, Julie Fontaine, has told Variety that “it’s premature to say anything at this point” in regards to the streaming giant’s distribution plans for The Irishman.
This would be rather upsetting news for Scorsese, a big proponent of traditional movie releases. And no matter what happens, it’s all but certain that The Irishman will be available day-and-date to steam on Netflix.
The Irishman is slated for release in 2019, and features a cast that includes Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, Al Pacino, Harvey Keitel, Bobby Cannavale, Jack Huston, Stephen Graham, Ray Romano, Kathrine Narducci, Anna Paquin and Danny A. Abeckaser.
Originally published November 14, 2017. Updated April 15, 2018.
