After working steadily in Hollywood for more than two decades, Michelle Pfeiffer took a well-deserved break of about four years right around 2003. Spending some time away really recharged her batteries, and she came back swinging in 2007 with a pair of juicy villainess roles. One was in Adam Shankman's Hairspray remake. The other was in the adult geared fairy tale adaptation, Stardust. Her co-star on that film was Robert De Niro, and now five years later she's set to star with him again. Before anybody sends me an email, I know they were both in New Year's Eve. No reason to bring back unhappy memories, and best I can remember they didn't share any scenes.
Variety reports that Pfeiffer is in talks to join Malavita, which will have her and De Niro working with French writer/director, Luc Besson(The Professional). The black comedy is based on Tonino Benacquista's book, Badfellas, and follows a former mafia family living in Normany under the witness protection program. After trying to blend into the community, old habits rise to the surface when their former "Family" comes looking to put them on ice. De Niro will play the patriarch, while Pfeiffer will be his arson-obsessed wife.
The two kids in the family, plus obviously their mom pursuers, will need to be cast next. Production on Malavita begins in August for release next year.
