Robert De Niro To Star In 'About My Father' As Sebastian Maniscalco's Dad

KEY POINTS

Robert De Niro first appeared with Sebastian Maniscalco in "The Irishman"
"About My Father" is loosely based on Maniscalco's life
De Niro will also be seen in Martin Scorsese’s "Killers of the Flower Moon"

Oscar-winning actor Robert De Niro has been roped in to portray stand-up comedian Sebastian Maniscalco's dad in an upcoming comedy-drama, "About My Father." The Lionsgate film is loosely based on Maniscalco’s own life story.

This is not the first time when De Niro and Maniscalco will appear together on-screen. Previously, the duo worked in Martin Scorsese’s crime drama, "The Irishman," which released in 2019.

"About My Father" revolves around Sebastian as he tells his old-school Italian immigrant father Salvo (played by De Niro) that he is going to propose to his American girlfriend. Salvo suggests his son to spend a weekend with his girlfriend's parents, resulting in a culture clash and hilarious situations.

Chris Weitz, Paul Weitz, and Andrew Miano are producing the movie with Judi Marmel serving as executive producer.

Nathan Kahane, the president of the Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, told Deadline: "The way Sebastian talks about his father, Salvo sounds to us like the type of guy who thinks that Robert De Niro should play him in a movie. So we thought, why not?”

"Actually, Robert De Niro is incredibly selective about the projects he chooses, so we are thrilled that he responded so strongly to this hilarious and heartfelt screenplay," Kahane said, adding: "He’ll make a fantastic and funny pairing with Sebastian and we can’t wait to start production later this year."

Weitz said: "We’ve been fans of Laura’s for a while. Like Sebastian, her parents are Italian immigrants and she locked into this story."

De Niro's upcoming projects include "Killers of the Flower Moon," which he is currently filming with Scorsese. The movie also stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Lily Gladstone in key roles.

The actor will also feature in "Canterbury Glass," which is directed by David O. Russell. The period drama also stars Anya Taylor-Joy, Margot Robbie, and John David Washington.

De Niro's other project, "Wash Me in the River," is currently under post-production and expected to release next year. The thriller drama is directed by Randall Emmett and stars Jack Huston, John Malkovich, Quavo, and Willa Fitzgerald in pivotal roles.

On the other hand, Maniscalco released his last comedy special, "Stay Hungry," in 2019.