Mario Puzo is best known for penning the "Godfather" novel and the screenplay for the film adaptation. The author's last book, "Omerta," was published after his death based on a finished manuscript and is now being adapted as a television mini-series with Sylvester Stallone in the leading role.
According to a report from Deadline, the three-time Academy Award-nominee, will portray the character Don Raymonde Aprile, who is often referred to in the books as the last true Don in the city of New York. The book focuses primarily on Aprile's life as he raises a successor to the family business and the mystery surrounding his death.
From the point where Aprile is killed, his nephew-turned-adopted-son Astorre Viola becomes the main character and rises up the ranks of the family business to exact revenge against those who murdered Aprile while also ensuring that Aprile's true children get the money and good life that Aprile always wanted for them.
The report states that casting for Astorre and a female lead are still ongoing. Director Antoine Fuqua, who worked on "Training Day" and "The Equalizer," will serve as executive producer and director for the series, based on a script by Adam Hoff and Justin Herber. Stallone will also serve as executive producer for the project.
Given how Aprile dies in the books it is unknown how far along Stallone's role will be in the series. However, the story of "Omerta" may be extended through several seasons as the books cover nearly three decades of events, allowing Stallone's character to remain as the focal point for the first couple seasons.
No studio has picked up the project just yet but as stated in a report from Cinema Blend that may change very soon now that the project is picking up steam. Stallone has garnered attention for his critically praised performance in "Creed" and Fuqua is recognized for his work on "Training Day" and is currently remaking "The Magnificent Seven."
"Omerta," published posthumously, was the third and final book in Mario Puzo's Mafia trilogy, which started with "The Godfather" and "The Last Don."
