There were rumors of two great collaborators of Hollywood cinema coming together again for the ninth time last spring.

Martin Scorsese and Robert De Niro confirmed that they will work with each other on a crime drama, 'The Irishman', reports digitalspy.com.

Speaking to the press during a BAFTA press session, the Oscar-winning director said that the financing for the project was in the final stages and shooting for the film will most probably begin in April.

'The Irishman' is based on Charles Brandt’s novel, ‘I Heard You Paint Houses’, which is about a hitman, Frank Sheeran who was nicknamed ‘The Irishman’. There were rumours that the killer had ties to the assassinations of President Kennedy and Jimmy Hoffa.

Martin Scorsese confirmed that Al Pacino and Joe Pesci will also be taking part in the film.

Scorsese also revealed to the press that his ‘Gangs Of New York’ and ‘Cape Fear’ screenwriter, Steve Zallian will be involved in the script.

The duo were also eager to shoot a companion film with 'The Irishman' with a biographical tone , on their journey as an actor-director together.

Unfortunately, the movie has been shelved due to scripting and financial reasons, reports MTV.com

De Niro and Scorsese first teamed up for 1973's 'Mean Streets' before going on to make Taxi Driver, New York, New York, Raging Bull, The King Of Comedy, Goodfellas and Casino.

Scorsese's next project 'Hugo Cabret', a 3D children's movie starring Chloe Moretz, Asa Butterfield and Sacha Baron Cohen, is due for release on December 9, 2011.

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