Big news for film fans and true-crime buffs alike: Martin Scorsese is heading to paradise — not for a vacation, but for his next Hawaii movie, a gritty crime saga unlike anything he’s done before.
(As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission if you click through and make a purchase — at no extra cost to you.)
Martin Scorsese’s Next Crime Film Heads to Hawaii
The legendary director’s new crime film has officially landed at 20th Century Studios… And if the talent already attached is any indication, this could be one of Scorsese’s most ambitious films yet. Leonardo DiCaprio, Dwayne Johnson, and Emily Blunt are all on board, with a script written by Vanity Fair special correspondent Nick Bilton, based on an original idea by Blunt.
This isn’t just another gangster flick — it’s a full-fledged Hawaiian mob movie rooted in cultural conflict and real history. Set against the lush, volatile backdrop of 1960s and ’70s Hawaii, the film tells the true story of a powerful and charismatic mob boss who builds the islands’ most formidable criminal empire. While waging war against rival crime syndicates and mainland corporations, he also fights to preserve his homeland and cultural identity — by any means necessary.
Plot Details: A True Crime Saga in Paradise
The official synopsis teases a “ruthless quest for absolute power” and a “war for cultural survival” that plays out in the unlikeliest of places: paradise.
Described by insiders as a mix between Goodfellas and The Departed, this project marks a return to the crime genre for Scorsese — but with a fresh cultural and historical lens. If the comparisons hold, think: Hawaiian Goodfellas with a political edge.
💡 If you loved Goodfellas, check out the book that inspired it:
👉 “Wiseguy” by Nicholas Pileggi on Amazon.
It’s a gripping, true account of life inside the mob — and a must-read for any crime drama fan.
The Team Behind the Story: Writers and Producers
Adding to the intrigue, the film will be based in part on a forthcoming book co-written by Bilton and Johnson. While we wait on more details about the upcoming Scorsese film, there’s already speculation about casting and character roles. Though casting roles haven’t been confirmed, Johnson — whose Polynesian heritage aligns with the film’s cultural roots — is widely speculated to play the lead crime boss, a kind of Hawaiian Jimmy the Gent. With Johnson’s physical presence and cultural ties, this could be his most intense role yet — a powerful turn in a high-stakes crime film set in his ancestral roots. Fans of past Scorsese-DiCaprio movies like The Departed and The Wolf of Wall Street will no doubt be curious about DiCaprio’s role in this tropical crime tale.
📚 While you’re waiting on the new book behind Scorsese’s Hawaiian crime epic…
👉 Check out “Killers of the Flower Moon” by David Grann on Amazon — the chilling true story behind Scorsese’s recent hit, and another masterclass in real-world crime storytelling.
Interestingly, the project was originally pitched to Scorsese and DiCaprio by Johnson and Blunt themselves — who are soon to co-star in Benny Safdie’s MMA biopic The Smashing Machine. With those names driving it, it’s no surprise the film was quickly snapped up by a major studio.
From the sound of it, this is more than just another mob movie. It’s a sweeping saga about identity, power, legacy — and what happens when paradise becomes a battlefield.
Final Thoughts: A Crime Epic Set in Paradise
This might just be one of the most anticipated future crime movies — with a stacked cast and legendary director, expectations are sky-high.
No official title or release date yet, but with this team and that story, you can bet we’ll be hearing a lot more about Scorsese’s Hawaiian crime epic soon. Stay tuned.
🎬 Want to dive deeper into Scorsese’s legendary crime films?
👉 Martin Scorsese Movie Collection
A must-have for any film lover — this set includes some of his most iconic mob stories, perfect viewing before his Hawaiian epic arrives.
What do you think?
Are you excited to see Scorsese take on a Hawaiian crime saga? Got thoughts on who DiCaprio, Johnson, or Blunt might play? Drop your predictions and hot takes in the comments — I’d love to hear what you think!
“Can Scorsese top this?
Enjoying stories like this?
Subscribe to my newsletter to get the latest on film, streaming, and behind-the-scenes Hollywood news delivered straight to your inbox. No spam, just the good stuff.
And as always —
Thanks for reading, and enjoy the movies 🍿
Discover sustainable shipping with Arka! Embrace eco-conscious packaging – FSC-certified 100% Recycled Honeycomb Mailers. Reduce waste, support the circular economy. Get yours now.
🎥 More to Explore:
The 5 Best Los Angeles Movies of All Time
The 20 Best Stephen King Movies Ranked by A Cute Film Addict
Inside the Pipeline: 7 Greenlit Movies You’ll Be Hearing About Everywhere Soon
5 Scorsese Movies You Can Stream Right Now
Leave a Reply