Michelle Pfeiffer tipped to star as De Niro’s wife

Malavita, based on author Tonino Benacquista’s book Badfellas, will see De Niro star as a retired Mafia boss who moves his family to France under the witness protection programme.

The Hollywood actress will portray his wife, who has a penchant for arson, reports industry paper Daily Variety.

French filmmaker Besson adapted the script and will also serve as producer on Malavita, which is due to begin production in August (12).

If Pfeiffer signs on for the project, it won’t be her first time working with De Niro – the pair previously appeared on screen together in 2007’s fantasy adventure Stardust.