Michael Mann brings on Sheldon Turner to write the crime story Big Tuna

The last time we discussed filmmaker Michael Mann, there was talk of three projects he was circling: AGINCOURT, a medieval epic about the build-up to the Battle of Agincourt between England and France; a biopic on war photographer Robert Capa; and finally, BIG TUNA, about Chicago Outfit mob boss Tony Accardo and his successor Sam Giancana.

Today, Variety is reporting movement on BIG TUNA. Mann has brought on screenwriter Sheldon Turner (UP IN THE AIR) to pen the multi-generational crime saga. Mann must be very confident in Turner’s abilities because he has reportedly also fronted the writer’s seven-figure fee from his own development fund (since the film has not yet been picked up by any studio).

Here’s what Mann had to say about BIG TUNA and boss Tony Accardo when interviewed by the Financial Times back in October:

“Here’s an older man who was the undisputed boss at a time when the Chicago outfit was the most powerful crime element in America. It becomes a classic tragedy of megalomania and hubris.”

With this news, BIG TUNA is looking most likely to become Mann’s next film. As for Turner, the man’s currently knee-deep in his own projects including prepping his own directorial debut BY VIRTUE FALL, a revenge drama with Colin Farrell and Eric Bana attached to star.