Brrrrr...I remember seeing that old HBO documentary, The Iceman Tapes: Conversations with a Killer, featuring mafia hitman Richard Kuklinski talking about how he kept his gruesome career hidden from his family. Gave me the creeps back then, and shows like that still do the same to me now. I can't stand them. However I do have some interest in how Kuklinski's life will be told on screen, with the talent that's been assembled up to this point. Unfortunately there has been one major change.
Already set to star Michael Shannon(Take Shelter) as Kuklunski, The Iceman recently saw James Franco drop out of the role of "Mr. Softee" Robert Pronge, Kuklinski's mentor in the art of murder. Now Deadline reports that Chris Evans has replaced him, joining a crazy cast that includes David Schwimmer, Ray Liotta, Maggie Gyllenhaal, and Ryan O'Nan(The Dry Land). Ariel Vromen(Rx) will direct the mobster flick, which should begin filming some time next month.
It's an interesting move for Evans, who could use a hit in something that doesn't involve Red Skulls and Howling Commandos. His other films in 2011 have either been ignored or critically panned, like the drug addiction drama Puncture, and the lousy rom-com What's Your Number?
