All You Need to Know About Barry Levinson’s Assassination

In late 2023, it was revealed that a gripping new thriller titled Assassination is in the works, centered around the assassination of John F. Kennedy. The film boasts an impressive cast, including renowned actor Al Pacino, who is set to portray a powerful mob figure, further heightening the intrigue surrounding this cinematic exploration of JFK’s demise.

The film has recently attracted even more significant talent, with Jessica Chastain joining the cast. Chastain’s role is pivotal, as it will explore her character’s contribution to reinterpreting the events surrounding JFK’s assassination.

Directed by Barry Levinson, who co-wrote the screenplay with esteemed writers David Mamet and Sam Bromell, Assassination is projected to begin filming in early 2025.

What storyline does Barry Levinson’s Assassination unfold?

The narrative of JFK’s assassination has been examined countless times, yet Assassination aims to present a fresh viewpoint on the late president’s life and untimely death.

This upcoming thriller will spotlight journalist and columnist Dorothy Kilgallen, a significant media figure of her era, portrayed by Chastain. Kilgallen took on the formidable challenge of scrutinizing JFK’s assassination, often finding herself in conflict with major forces such as the CIA, FBI, and organized crime.

According to Levinson, Kilgallen was the first and only female journalist to cover the JFK assassination case comprehensively. Notably, she was also the sole reporter to engage with Jack Ruby, the nightclub owner who shot Lee Harvey Oswald, the main suspect in JFK’s assassination. Levinson hinted at the enigmatic nature of the storytelling, emphasizing Kilgallen’s mysterious death, which received little to no scrutiny.

Producing the film will be Jason Sosnoff alongside Corey Large and Nicolas Celozzi. In a statement to Deadline on October 29, 2024, Sosnoff elaborated on Kilgallen’s role in this compelling narrative. He remarked:

“Exploring this storyline from Dorothy’s viewpoint is fascinating. She exemplified determination and bravery in the quest for the truth, making this film both her narrative and an investigation into the events of that fateful day in Dallas.”

By centering the plot around Kilgallen’s inquiries, Assassination transforms into a potent blend of murder mystery and film noir.

A star-studded ensemble

Since its announcement, the film has gathered several eminent figures from Hollywood, including Al Pacino alongside Viggo Mortensen, who previously collaborated in the 1993 gangster film Carlito’s Way, along with John Travolta, Shia LaBeouf, and Rebecca Pidgeon.

As it stands, only Al Pacino’s character has been unveiled; he is cast as the high-ranking mob boss Tony Accardo.

With the addition of Jessica Chastain, the film has also confirmed the participation of Brendan Fraser and Bryan Cranston.

Chastain, an Academy Award winner for The Eyes of Tammy Faye, is joining an impressive cohort. Fraser claims his Oscar for The Whale, while Cranston earned a nomination for his performance as a blacklisted screenwriter in Trumbo.

Additionally, Mamet has garnered two Academy Award nominations for his works on The Verdict and Wag the Dog, the latter directed by Levinson. Mamet’s extensive writing credits also include major titles such as Hannibal and Ronin, as well as contributions to over 60 episodes of The Unit.

Bromell is known for his screenplays in acclaimed projects like The Get Down and Elvis.