Netflix picks up Martin Scorsese, Robert De Niro project The Irishman

Martin Scorsese and Robert De Niro’s The Irishman, a project about mob hitman Frank “The Irishman” Sheeran, has a new home. Variety reports that Netflix acquired the rights to the film, which is based on the novel “I Heard You Paint Houses.”

Frank Sheeran died in 2003, a year before the book’s release. According to the book, “I heard you paint houses” are the first words Jimmy Hoffa said to Sheeran — a reference to blood splattering the walls during a murder. Sheeran is believed to be involved in the disappearance of Hoffa, as well as many other mob-related killings.

With Amazon recently beating out Netflix on a Best Picture Oscar nomination, the streaming service needs a critical hit to compete in future award seasons. The Irishman is a powerful grab, given its subject matter and Scorsese and De Niro’s combined star power.

Production will begin this year. De Niro is set to star, while Steven Zaillian penned the script.