Robert De Niro Stars in Dual Roles in Warner Bros’ ‘The Alto Knights’

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Warner Bros. has released the first trailer for its upcoming mob drama “The Alto Knights,” directed by Barry Levinson and starring Robert De Niro in dual roles as rival mob bosses Vito Genovese and Frank Costello. The film, set to hit theaters on March 21, 2025, marks a reunion between De Niro and Levinson, who previously collaborated on projects like “The Wizard of Lies” and “Wag the Dog.”

Written by Oscar-nominated screenwriter Nicholas Pileggi, known for “Goodfellas,” the film explores the real-life story of Genovese and Costello, two Italian American crime family leaders in mid-20th century New York. The plot centers on Genovese’s failed 1957 assassination attempt on Costello, which led to the latter’s eventual retirement from organized crime.

Debra Messing, Cosmo Jarvis, and Kathrine Narducci co-star in the film, with Messing playing Costello’s wife, Bobbie, and Narducci portraying Genovese’s wife, Anna. The project, which spent decades in development, was revived by Warner Bros. in 2022.

Levinson praised De Niro’s performance, stating, “It’s amazing. He’s such an astounding actor. It was literally like two different people, like I was working with two different actors.” The film is produced by Irwin Winkler, Jason Sosnoff, Charles Winkler, and David Winkler, with Mike Drake serving as executive producer.

“The Alto Knights” is part of Warner Bros.’ 2025 slate, which includes other highly anticipated titles like Bong Joon-ho‘s “Mickey 17” and Ryan Coogler‘s “Sinners.” The studio is looking to rebound after recent box office disappointments, including “Joker: Folie à Deux” and “The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim.”

De Niro, a veteran of crime dramas, has previously starred in iconic mob films such as “The Godfather Part II,” “Goodfellas,” and “Casino.” His collaboration with Pileggi and Levinson adds to the film’s pedigree, promising a gripping portrayal of one of organized crime’s most infamous rivalries.