Warner Bros. has removed the trailer for Barry Levinson’s highly anticipated mob drama Alto Knights from the internet, signaling early concerns about the film’s potential. Despite this, the trailer remains accessible through certain corners of the web.
Originally slated for release in 2024, Alto Knights was poised to mark the return of veteran director Barry Levinson, best known for his Oscar-winning films like Rain Man and Good Morning, Vietnam. The film, which now has a release date of March 21, 2025, was supposed to be a cornerstone for Warner Bros. in the post-merger era under Warner Bros. Discovery, with the legendary Robert De Niro taking on dual roles as 20th-century mob bosses Vito Genovese and Frank Costello.
However, early reviews and reactions to the film’s test screenings in January 2024 have painted a grim picture. While the trailer was initially released on Warner Bros. UK’s X (formerly Twitter) account, it has not appeared on YouTube, and the studio’s lack of promotion has fueled speculation that Alto Knights is not a priority for the company.
The film centers on the tense relationship between Genovese and Costello, specifically focusing on the failed assassination attempt by Genovese in 1957, which sparked an escalating mob war. Critics have expressed skepticism over the decision to have De Niro play both roles, suggesting it was a questionable creative choice that may have backfired.
One test screening reaction, dated January 20, 2024, describes Alto Knights as a “huge letdown” despite the involvement of acclaimed filmmakers. According to the reviewer, the dual role played by De Niro creates an awkward dynamic where the two mobsters interact only in limited, static scenes across from each other. The film’s core premise—the unraveling of a lifelong friendship and betrayal—fails to resonate emotionally due to a rushed narrative that neglects to explore the characters’ relationship before jumping into conflict.
The review also criticizes the lackluster writing of the “wife character,” played by Debra Messing, and the overall sloppy filmmaking. While the film features a few strong sequences, the reviewer concludes that the film, as it stands, feels unfinished and may require reshoots to salvage its quality. However, with only 10 months until its release, it remains unclear whether significant changes can be made.
With a reported budget of $50 million, Alto Knights is being promoted as Levinson’s return to big-budget studio filmmaking. The screenplay is written by Nicholas Pileggi, known for penning Wiseguy, the book that inspired Goodfellas. While Levinson enjoyed significant success in the 1980s and 1990s with films like The Natural and Bugsy, his recent directorial efforts have not captured the same acclaim, leaving many to wonder if this mob drama can turn the tide.
For Warner Bros., the stakes are high as Alto Knights is positioned to be a major release. However, with its troubled early reception, questions loom over whether Levinson can deliver a comeback worthy of his storied career.
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