Paul Schrader was the original asked Directed David Mamet's JFK assassination film. Schrader passed on the offer, suggesting it may have been due to Mamet's poor reputation in the industry – he is a Trump supporter.

Never mind, Oscar-winning director Barry Levinson entered to direct the film and to reunite with Al Pacino for their fourth collaboration after “You Don't Know Jack”, “Paterno” and “The Humbling”. Shia LaBoeuf, John Travolta and Viggo Mortensen originally starred but are no longer part of the project.

Deadline is now reporting that Jessica Chastain, Bryan Cranston and Brendan Fraser accompanied Pacino in the film. That's one hell of a cast. I'm not surprised either. A few months ago, a producer who got his hands on Mamet's script told me it was one of the best things they'd read in years.

“Assassination” is a drama about how notorious Chicago gangster Sam Giancana arranged the assassination of President John F. Kennedy as revenge for his attempt to combat organized crime after the mob helped bring JFK to the white to bring home.

The cameraman is none other than the highly talented Robert Elswitt (“There Will Be Blood”, “Punch Drunk-Love”, “Magnolia”, “Michael Clayton”, “Nightcrawler”).

It's a shame Pulitzer Prize winner Mamet isn't directing, he hasn't directed a film since 2008's underrated “Red Belt”; His film credits include Glengary Glen Ross, The Verdict, The Untouchables, Wag the Dog, House of Games, Homicide and The Spanish Prisoner.

Levinson, 80, was all the rage in the '80s and '90s and a sought-after filmmaker for smart, adult-oriented Oscar contenders. He has been in a dry spell for almost two decades now. Still, his resume is honestly one of the most underrated in Hollywood: “Diner,” “The Natural,” “Good Morning Vietnam,” “Bugsy,” “Sleepers,” “Rain Man,” “Wag the Dog,” and many more .

Levinson also has “Wise Guys,” starring Robert De Niro, in post-production. I heard one is not good and may be dumped on Max by Warner Bros. in early 2025.