Martin Scorsese and Dwayne Johnson's Mob Epic Just Got a Massive Rewrite

Here comes another dose of Scorsese crime drama, but this time he’s packing his suitcase and heading off to 1970s Hawaii, with Dwayne Johnson being given the heavy—a proper gear change from the usual blokes in sharp suits and New York accents. And now, according to the latest rumblings, the film’s getting a major overhaul before anyone sets foot on set.

Scorsese, The Rock, And The Hawaiian Mob—Yes, Really

Sounds like Scorsese’s next crime epic will tell the story of Wilford 'Nappy' Pulawa, who, back in the 60s and 70s, took charge of a Hawaiian criminal outfit called The Company. This is one of those real-life stories that somehow slipped through the cracks until now—one of those 'how has nobody made this yet?' situations.

Just to be clear: we're getting Martin Scorsese directing Dwayne Johnson, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Emily Blunt. Not your typical line-up—or your next predictable mob setting, for that matter.

The Script’s Getting Ripped Up And Started Again

So, here’s the meat of the update—according to World of Reel, the script (still untitled) is getting what they’re calling a 'major' rewrite. Apparently, Nick Bilton—the writer—has about a month to hand in a big new version to the studio, 20th Century. If Disney, who now own that particular studio, give the nod, the whole thing could be rushed along pretty quickly, with Bilton holding down a producer’s credit as well.

'We’re developing it right now. It’s a really astonishing story. It’s the last great American mob story, and I can’t believe it hasn’t been told yet. It’s a terribly exciting role for [Johnson] to kind of dig into. So, it’s being written, we’re working on it. And that’s the wonderful part, is building it.' – Emily Blunt speaking to Deadline, October 2025

What’s The Actual Story?

• The script centres on Wilford 'Nappy' Pulawa, who ran the notorious Company on the Hawaiian Islands in the 1970s.
• Pulawa was known for running his patch through pure intimidation, violence, and the odd bit of murder—hardly the subtle approach.
• The plot will apparently take us through the chaos as Pulawa takes on rival gangs, Asian triads, and even the US military to get control of his underworld empire.

Not much is standard about this one—Scorsese, Johnson, DiCaprio, Blunt, and Hawaiian mobsters. Frankly, I’d love to have been in the room when this pitch was first floated.

There’s no word yet on when we might see it—Scorsese’s got another one lined up called 'What Happens at Night', with DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence, but this Hawaiian saga has definitely jumped up the 'most intriguing projects' list.