The Alto Knights (2025): Robert De Niro Transforms Into Two Rival Mafia Bosses
The Alto Knights: A Mafia War That Shaped American History
If you’re a fan of gripping crime stories, tense showdowns between friendship and betrayal, then The Alto Knights—the upcoming film from director Barry Levinson—is one you won’t want to miss. Featuring the legendary Robert De Niro in a rare dual role, this movie promises to transport audiences back to the dark, captivating world of mid-20th-century American mafia.
A True Story from the Depths of New York’s Underworld
The Alto Knights draws inspiration from the real-life saga of two infamous mob bosses: Frank Costello and Vito Genovese, titans of New York’s organized crime scene. The film chronicles their complex relationship, from close allies to bitter enemies. What starts as petty jealousies and power plays escalates into a deadly collision course, culminating in the botched 1957 assassination attempt ordered by Genovese against Costello. Though Costello survived, the event marked a turning point—not just for the two men, but for the very structure of the American mafia.
You can watch the official trailer here:
Behind the screenplay is Nicholas Pileggi, the mastermind who penned Goodfellas and authored Wiseguy, the book that inspired Martin Scorsese’s iconic mob classic. With his knack for gritty storytelling, Pileggi delivers a script that’s as authentic as it is cinematic, capturing the raw essence of this historic rivalry.
Robert De Niro’s Dazzling Dual Performance
The film’s biggest draw is undoubtedly Robert De Niro, who takes on the Herculean task of playing both Frank Costello and Vito Genovese. Without relying on CGI, De Niro distinguishes the two characters through sheer acting prowess and subtle styling—a calm, calculating Costello versus a ruthless, ambitious Genovese. Director Barry Levinson has praised the 81-year-old actor, saying, “De Niro brings two entirely different souls to life, so distinct you’d forget they’re the same person.”
The supporting cast is equally compelling: Debra Messing stars as Bobbie, Costello’s steadfast wife; Kathrine Narducci plays Anna Genovese, the sharp-witted woman behind Vito; and Cosmo Jarvis, Michael Rispoli, and Louis Mustillo round out the ensemble, breathing life into the shadowy streets of 1950s New York.
A Rocky Road to the Big Screen
Originally titled Wise Guys, The Alto Knights was slated for release in February 2024. However, the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike threw a wrench into the plans, pushing the premiere first to November 2024 and finally to its official date: March 21, 2025. Filming took place in Cincinnati, Ohio, where the city’s streets were transformed to evoke the gritty ambiance of 1950s New York. Produced by Warner Bros. Pictures and the team at Winkler Films, led by Irwin Winkler, the project marks another collaboration between Levinson and De Niro, following successes like Wag the Dog.
The title The Alto Knights nods to a Genovese crew hangout at the corner of Mulberry and Kenmare streets, lending an extra layer of historical flavor. The first trailer, dropped in January 2025, has already sparked excitement with its intense visuals, razor-sharp dialogue, and vintage mafia vibes.
Why The Alto Knights Is Worth the Wait
More than just a crime flick, The Alto Knights is a tale of loyalty, betrayal, and the steep cost of power. With Barry Levinson—an Oscar winner for Rain Man—at the helm and Robert De Niro delivering a tour-de-force performance, the film promises to satisfy mafia movie buffs while offering a deeper look into a pivotal chapter of American history.
The Alto Knights hits theaters on March 21, 2025. Get ready for an adrenaline-pumping ride into the world of these “knights of the shadows,” where every choice teeters on the edge of life and death.
