The Role That Made Joe Pesci Gain 30 Pounds and File a Multi-Million Dollar Lawsuit

The 2018 biographical thriller Gotti remains one of the most infamous critical failures in recent cinematic history, yet the project’s disastrous reputation was forged long before it reached the screen.

While the final product was widely mocked, the film originally held significant promise, particularly when it seemed poised to unite some of the greatest titans of the mob genre. The initial plans for the film included a major role for Joe Pesci, whose legendary work in Goodfellas and Casino made him a natural fit for the world of the Gambino crime family.

Pesci was slated to portray Angelo Ruggiero, a key figure and enforcer within the organization, offering the veteran actor a rare and substantial supporting role. At one stage of the film’s long development, Al Pacino was even attached to play the titular John Gotti.

This would have marked the first time Pesci and Pacino shared the screen, a collaboration fans had long desired but wouldn’t actually witness until Martin Scorsese’s The Irishman was released in 2019.

However, the production quickly descended into a series of financial and creative disputes. After a high-profile press conference at the Cannes Film Festival led Pesci to believe his deal was secured, he discovered that the production company, Fiore Films, had drastically reduced both his screen time and his paycheck.

The actor was reportedly furious, as he had already dedicated himself to the role by gaining 30 pounds to match Ruggiero’s physical stature. Pesci eventually filed a $3 million lawsuit against the producers, alleging that he had been duped and lied to after passing on other lucrative opportunities to remain committed to the project.

While the producers claimed no formal offer had ever been made, it appeared evident to many industry insiders that they were simply using Pesci’s name to attract investors without intending to honor his original salary.

This pattern of behavior stalled the film for years, as other potential stars like Ben Foster and Lindsay Lohan also moved away from the troubled production. When Gotti finally made it to theaters under the direction of Kevin Connolly, John Travolta took the lead role, but the film could not escape its baggage.

The marketing team even attempted to combat the overwhelmingly negative reviews by attacking critics on social media, a move that only added to the film’s notoriety as a punchline.

Fortunately for Pesci, his decision to distance himself from the project allowed him to focus on more prestigious work. He eventually ended his semi-retirement to reunite with Robert De Niro and Al Pacino for The Irishman, a film that earned him widespread critical acclaim and his third Academy Award nomination.

Since that celebrated return, the 83-year-old actor has remained selective about his on-screen appearances, primarily choosing projects involving close friends. In 2023, he took on a recurring role in the Pete Davidson comedy series Bupkis, playing the grandfather of the main character, a role that allowed him to blend his signature intensity with a softer, comedic touch.

He also recently appeared in the independent film Day of the Fight, which premiered in late 2025. The movie, directed by Jack Huston and starring Michael C. Pitt, features Pesci in a moving performance as a father navigating a complex relationship with his boxer son.

Despite frequent rumors of a final retirement, Pesci continues to maintain a presence in the industry, often popping up in unexpected places like high-profile commercials or jazz recordings.

As of this year, many of his classic films, like Casino and Goodfellas, have found new life on major streaming platforms, introducing his dynamic screen presence to a new generation of viewers.

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