Martin Scorsese is working on a new crime film centered on Wilford 'Nappy' Pulawa, the real-life boss of the Hawaiian syndicate known as 'The Company' that operated in the 1960s and 1970s, according to a recent report. The script, currently undergoing rewrites by writer Nick Bilton, is awaiting a greenlight from Disney, which if granted, would fast-track production. Scorsese has described the project as 'the last great American mob story that hasn't been told yet.'

Wilford 'Nappy' Pulawa and The Company: Hawaii's Overlooked Crime Empire

The report details how Pulawa's syndicate, The Company, became the largest organized crime group on the Hawaiian Islands, battling both local triads and the U.S. military for control. This is a far cry from the New York-centric mafia tales Scorsese is known for, offering a glimpse into a little-documented chapter of American organized crime. The plot will focus on Pulawa's rise and his violent turf wars during a turbulent period in Hawaiian history.

As the report notes, Scorsese's interest in this project underscores his long-standing fascination with underworld figures outside the mainstream. The Hawaiian syndicate's operaions were deeply entwined with the islands' unique political and cultural landscape, including military presence and Asian criminal networks.

The 'Last Great American Mob Story' as Scorsese Sees It

Scorsese's quote, 'the last great American mob story that hasn't been told yet,' carries weight given his filmography of gangster epics like Goodfellas, The Irishman, and Casino. According to the source, the director is eager to bring this obscure saga to screen, suggesting a fresh narrative angle compared to his previous works. The script rewrite by Nick Bilton, who also serves as a producer, indicates careful development.

This declaration also raises expectations: if Scorsese deems it the last, audiences will likely expect a definitive take on the genre. The report emphasizes that Bilton's major revision is expected to shape the final story, tailored to Scorsese's viion.

Why Disney's Greenlight Is the Pivotal Unknown

The movie's progress hinges on a decision by Disney, which holds the project's fate. The report states that if Disney greenlights the film, it will be fast-tracked—but no approval has been announced yet. This leaves the timeline uncertain, especially as Scorsese is simultaneously developing another thriller, What Happens at Night, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence.

The lack of a set release date, as reported, suggests the script rewrite is a critical gate. Two additional actors have joined the cast—reportedly for the Pulawa film—though their identities remain undisclosed. It is also noted that the movie may carry the working title Midnight.

The Battle Against Triads and the U.S. Military: A Unique Crime Landscape

One of the most distinct elements of the story, per the source, is Pulawa's conflict with multiple adversaries: Chinese triads and U.S. military personnel. This tripartite fight sets it apart from typical mob narratives that focus on inter-family rivalries. The Hawaii setting adds a layer of exoticism and historical complexity, including the islands' transition from a territory to a state (1959) and the ongoing Vietnam War era.

As the report highlights, this multi-front struggle will likely be a central dramatic tension , exploring themes of power, colonization, and organized crime in a Pacific context. It remmains to be seen how Scorsese will balance these elements in a single film.

What We Still Don't Know: Cast, Budget, and Release Date

Despite the excitement, several key details are missing. The source does not name the two newly joined actors, nor does it offer a budget or even a tentative release window. The script's final shape after Bilton's rewrite is also unconfirmed. Scorsese's quote about the 'last great American mob story' is the strongest signal of his commitment, but without a Disney greenlight, the project remains speculative.

According to the report, no official announcement from Disney or Scorsese's representatives has been made. Fans will have to wait for updates on casting and scheduling beforre the film moves beyond development.