Martin Scorsese Developing ‘Gangs Of New York’ For Television

Just when you think Martin Scorsese can’t do another thing in cinema, he decides to turn one of his classics into a television series. Scorsese, the director behind the 2002 film Gangs of New York, is turning the film into a television series alongside Miramax.

The film, which starred Leonardo DiCaprio, Daniel Day-Lewis and Cameron Diaz was a story that took place in 1862 as gangs clashed in the streets. Now the film is being proposed as a show to “widen the scope beyond New York.” The show is set to include other urbanized cities like Chicago, and New Orleans, and will follow the birth of organized crime in America.

Releasing a statement Martin Scorsese said:

“This time and era of America’s history and heritage is rich with characters and stories that we could not fully explore in a two-hour film. A television series allows us the time and creative freedom to bring this colorful world, and all the implications it had and still does on our society, to life.”

So far there’s no network vying to buy the series, but we’re sure Scorsese won’t have a problem pitching the project to a network. After all, this is not his first time out with a television show. Currently Scorsese is the executive producer behind the period drama Boardwalk Empire on HBO. The series starring Steve Buscemi has gone on to be a force to reckon with at the Emmys.

In addition to the show’s Emmy wins, Scorsese has been rewarded with an Emmy of his own for directing the pilot for the episode of Boardwalk Empire.

This isn’t the only Scorsese film to option for a television project. Goodfellas was picked up by AMC, although Scorsese wasn’t involved in that project. Oddly enough the Goodfellas project hasn’t had much movement since the announcement was made.

We have a feeling that won’t be the same for Martin Scorsese’s Gangs of New York.