Gotti biopic ‘still on course’

(Cover) - EN Movies - Movie bosses insist the John Gotti biopic is “very much moving forward”.

Rumours have circulated that the project was in jeopardy after experiencing financial problems. However, Fiore Productions – who are producing the movie – have hit back at the reports, revealing the film is going ahead.

"The Gotti film is very much moving forward and we are still expecting a late 2012 theatrical release," Fiore Productions publicist Steve Honig told RadarOnline.com.

Honig also says big names are still attached to Gotti: In the Shadow of My Father.

John Travolta will portray John Gotti Sr., with Al Pacino and Kelly Preston also in the cast. Lindsay Lohan is set to appear, but reportedly hasn’t yet signed a contract.

"Everyone is still attached to the film. I am not commenting on anything to do with financing though," Honig added.

The movie has been hit by legal woes.

Earlier this year, Joe Pesci filed a lawsuit against Fiore Films, the studio making the hotly anticipated movie about crime boss John Gotti and his family.

Pesci alleged he had been hired to play Angelo Ruggiero, a role which required gaining 30 lbs. and would see him earn $3 million. The actor claims he was then given a lesser role and offered just $1 million.

Marc Fiore, CEO of Fiore Films, has attempted to resolve the situation.

He hopes the matter will be settled soon and that Pesci will still appear in the movie.

"For the record, I am extremely fond of Joe, I think he is a terrific actor and very much want him to be in the Gotti movie,” Fiore said last week. “It’s unfortunate we have become embroiled in a lawsuit, however I am hopeful that we will resolve our differences and Joe will accept an offer from us to be in the film.”

Filming is scheduled to begin in New York City in January 2012.

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