Johnny Depp To Play Whitey Bulger In “Black Mass” Film

Johnny Depp is headed back to the big screen. Depp has been cast as the infamous gangster Whitey Bulger in the upcoming film “Black Mass.” The film is Adapted from Dick Lehr and Gerard O’Neill’s non-fiction book of the same name, “Black Mass,” and will be directed by Barry Levinson (“Rain Man”).

“I could not be more thrilled to have the biggest star in the world and Academy Award-winning director Barry Levinson to finally bring this incredible story to the big screen,” producer Brian Oliver said in a statement. “‘Black Mass’ expertly details the twists and turns of this highly complex story, painting a vivid portrait of Boston’s underbelly and its corrupt political machine, as well as exposing the worstscandal in FBI history. It’s also an examination of loyalty to family, Irish heritage, and South Boston.”

Bulger, 83, was infamous for his mobster past in Boston and for snitching on fellow mobsters as an FBI informant. Bulger was finally arrested in 2011 and faces several charges for murder and racketeering in the ’70s and ’80s.

The movie still does not have a release date, and “Black Mass” is to begin shooting in May. The film is to be produced and financed by Cross Creek Pictures and Exclusive Media, while Universal will be responsible for distribution.

I.M.