'American Gangster', the new Ridley Scott-directed crime drama starring Russell Crowe and Denzel Washington, is to go into production in late July.
Variety reports that writer Steve Zaillian ('Gangs of New York', 'Schindler's List') has been hired to rewrite the script for the film; he wrote the original script which was then superseded by a script by Belfast-born 'Hotel Rwanda' director Terry George.
The film tells the story of a New York drug kingpin (Washington) who smuggled heroin into America in the body bags of US soldiers who had died in Vietnam.
The film will be shot in New York, with some filming in Thailand.
Washington's new film, 'Inside Man', opens in Irish cinemas today, Friday 24 March.
