Miramax and Martin Scorsese are developing a television series based on Scorsese’s 2002 film “Gangs of New York,” the studio announced on Thursday.
Scorsese’s film, which starred Leonardo DiCaprio, Cameron Diaz and Daniel-Day Lewis, was set in 19th century New York when gangs ran the city and corruption was rampant.
The series will expand that focus, drawing from organized gangs at the turn of the century and shortly thereafter, not just in New York, but other cities such as Chicago and New Orleans, looking at the birth of organized crime in America.
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“This time and era of America’s history and heritage is rich with characters and stories that we could not fully explore in a two hour film," Scorsese said in statement. "A television series allows us the time and creative freedom to bring this colorful world, and all the implications it had and still does on our society, to life."
The legendary director has already helped bring one period crime drama to TV, executive producing and directing the pilot of HBO's "Boardwalk Empire."
“No one better exemplifies what the new Miramax is and will be better than Martin Scorsese. His dedication to quality and the art of storytelling continues to excite everyone that works with him and watches his films and television programs. We could not think of a better partner for this project than the creator of the wonderful film on which it is based,” stated Richard Nanula, chairman of Miramax and a principal at Colony Capital.