LOS ANGELES – Joe Pesci claims the makers of a biopic on the Gotti family have made him an offer he can refuse — a lesser part in the movie and a $2 million salary cut.
The actor sued Fiore Films on Wednesday, seeking the $3 million he said he was promised to play the role of a childhood friend and enforcer of crime boss John Gotti Sr.
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Pesci claims the company used his name and likeness to promote the movie and attract investors, but now doesn’t want to honor its original offer to him. He has been offered a lesser role for a $1 million payday, the lawsuit stated.
Fiore CEO Marc Fiore rejected the claims, saying he received correspondence months ago from the actor’s representatives telling him Pesci was pulling out of the project until the original director, who left the project, was replaced. “Before we had a deal, Mr. Pesci walked away,” Fiore said.
Pesci’s attorney Brandon Tesser called Fiore’s statement false, saying no one informed Pesci of a reduced role until recently. The actor’s lawsuit stated Pesci gained 30 pounds to play the role of a trusted Gotti Sr. adviser, Angelo Ruggiero.
Pesci cited his roles in mobster films such as “Casino” and his Oscar-winning role in “Goodfellas,” and his lawsuit said he was fully committed to playing Ruggiero in “Gotti: In the Shadow of My Father.”
Trebek’s answer for burglar gets him hurt
SAN FRANCISCO – “Jeopardy!” host Alex Trebek says he snapped his Achilles tendon while running after a burglar who had stolen cash, a bracelet and other items from his San Francisco hotel room.
The 71-year-old Trebek tells KGO-TV that he also injured his other leg while falling down during the chase early Wednesday. He was on crutches later Wednesday when he hosted the National Geographic World Championship at Google headquarters in Mountain View.
San Francisco police Lt. Troy Dangerfield says 56-year-old old Lucinda Moyers was arrested on suspicion of felony burglary.
Cage to play Alaska cop in ‘Frozen Ground’
ANCHORAGE, Alaska – The story of the police investigation of infamous Alaska serial killer Robert Hansen is headed to the big screen.
Variety reports Nicolas Cage will star in “Frozen Ground.” Filming is scheduled to start Oct. 10 in Anchorage.
Cage will portray the Alaska state trooper who investigated the murders that gripped Anchorage in the 1970s and 1980s.
Hansen was an Anchorage baker at a time when vice ruled the streets in the heady days during construction of the trans-Alaska pipeline.
In 1984, Hansen confessed to killing 17 women and raping another 30 over the previous 12 years. He received a 461-year sentence.
The Alaska Film Office confirmed to the Anchorage Daily News on Wednesday the film is about to receive pre-approval for state tax credits for filming in Alaska.
Kidman at home for film
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A movie starring Oscar-winner Nicole Kidman is to be filmed in Nashville, where she lives.
The Tennessean quotes her husband, country star Keith Urban, as saying she’s wanted to do a movie in Nashville for a long time.
According to IMDB.com, the Internet Movie Database, the movie “Stoker” is about a teenage girl coping with the death of her father, and an uncle who arrives to meet the family.
A 2012 release is anticipated.
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