Scorsese’s Hawaii Crime Drama: What Dwayne Johnson Just Revealed About the Director’s Next Masterpiece

Legendary director Martin Scorsese is no stranger to pushing boundaries in cinema, and it looks like his next project could be another groundbreaking addition to his storied career. Recently, during an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson provided an exciting update on Scorsese’s forthcoming untitled movie, revealing that it will begin filming by next year. The actor also shared some intriguing details about the movie, including its unique premise and its potential to become a powerful, untold gangster story set in Hawaii.

A Star-Studded Cast and a Unique Setting

Described as a “Goodfellas meets The Departed” drama, this upcoming film has been one of the most eagerly anticipated projects in Hollywood. The story, which will explore themes of reclaiming heritage and culture, is set against the backdrop of Hawaii, adding an unexpected cultural depth to the genre. As Johnson excitedly shared, the film will feature a mix of gangster elements with a focus on a protagonist who is not just ruthless and powerful, but also driven by a desire to reclaim what was taken from him—his culture and his land.

The cast for this film is nothing short of exceptional. In addition to Dwayne Johnson, the movie will star Leonardo DiCaprio and Emily Blunt, reuniting the two actors after their successful collaboration in Jungle Cruise. The combination of this powerhouse trio alongside the guidance of Scorsese promises to deliver a cinematic experience that fans are sure to remember for years to come.

The Inspiration Behind the Story

According to Johnson, Scorsese was particularly drawn to the story’s rich cultural themes. The director, known for his masterful portrayal of morally complex characters in iconic films like Goodfellas and Casino, has been inspired by the idea of a gangster who, while ruthless, fights for something deeper—reclaiming a stolen cultural heritage and righting historical wrongs. This unique angle not only provides a fresh take on the gangster genre but also promises to add emotional weight to the narrative, making it more than just another crime story.

A Competitive Bidding War

The announcement of Scorsese’s next project has sparked significant interest in Hollywood, with a reported five-way bidding war between major studios, including Amazon, Apple, Warner Bros., and Netflix. Ultimately, the project was secured by Disney’s 20th Century Studios, ensuring that the film will likely enjoy a major platform for its release. Given the star power attached and the potential for this project to resonate with both fans and critics, it’s clear that this will be one of the most highly anticipated films of the coming years.

Scorsese’s Busy Schedule

As of 2025, Scorsese has several projects in various stages of development. Following the success of Killers of the Flower Moon (2023), which received critical acclaim for its exploration of historical injustice, Scorsese has continued to explore a wide range of ideas. Among these are a Frank Sinatra biopic, based on the life of the legendary singer and actor, and A Life of Jesus, an adaptation of Shūsaku Endō’s book. However, both projects have reportedly faced roadblocks, and the untitled Hawaii-set crime drama seems to be the one that has gained the most momentum. Scorsese has also been attached to direct The Devil in the White City and a potential Gilead adaptation with Leonardo DiCaprio, but it is now expected that this film will be his next priority.

A New Chapter in Scorsese’s Career

This Hawaii-set crime drama promises to be a thrilling new chapter in Scorsese’s already legendary career. By blending his expertise in the gangster genre with culturally relevant themes, Scorsese is poised to create a film that could stand alongside his most iconic works. The film’s combination of a powerhouse cast, a compelling setting, and Scorsese’s unmatched storytelling makes it one of the most exciting cinematic endeavors on the horizon.

With filming set to begin in 2026, the untitled movie could see a release as early as late 2026 or early 2027, adding to an already-packed year of highly anticipated films. As Hollywood continues to evolve, it’s clear that Scorsese’s influence remains as potent as ever, and this next project is sure to solidify his place at the forefront of cinematic storytelling for years to come. Fans and critics alike are eagerly awaiting what promises to be yet another masterpiece from one of the industry’s greatest filmmakers.