Al Pacino, aged 84, is set to star as a Mafia boss in a new kidnapping thriller, Captivated.

The Oscar, BAFTA, Golden Globe, Emmy, and Tony-winning actor, known for his iconic roles in movies such as The Godfather, Scarface, and The Irishman, is this time set to play a real-life mob boss in the upcoming film.

The movie centers on the story of John Paul Getty III's kidnapping in 1973 by Calabrian mafia boss Saro Mammoliti (played by Toby Kebbell and Pacino at different stages of his life). However, the plot takes a turn when the boss puts his organization in danger after falling for his victim's mother (Katie Holmes) during ransom negotiations.

One of the producers, Michael Mammoliti, is the real-life nephew of Saro and has reportedly been working on a project about it all for several years, revealing that the events of the kidnapping have been disputed for decades.

The director will be Dito Montiel (Man Down) who co-wrote the script with Robin Shushan and Mammoliti. Michael Benaroya, Michael Mammoliti and Manasvi Mamgai are producing the movie for 32RED Entertainment, and it is set to be launched for sales in Cannes by International Film Trust.

About the film, Benaroya Pictures CEO and IFT Founder Michael Benaroya said: "Captivated has all the ingredients of a great film, a fantastic script, stellar cast, and visionary director. We couldn't be more excited to have it on our slate."

Mammoliti said: "Our goal is to give a voice to a person who's had none for 50+ years, and tell a side of this story no one knows."

Shooting is due to start later this year in Italy.