Firass Dirani, star of Underbelly: The Golden Mile, says he needs to 'man up' when he starts his next project with actor Robert de Niro.

According to Dirani, he would have to take off his middleweight gloves and put on his heavyweight gloves.

"I'm going to have to man up," the actor said.

"It has been a childhood dream. I've imitated this guy since I was five, since I could speak - doing the whole crumpled-up face thing.

"I'm just pinching myself. Honestly, I'm just gobsmacked by the whole thing.''

Jason Statham and Clive Owen will join Dirani in the film The Killer Elite, which is about ex-British special forces.

In Underbelly, Durani portrays the role of Sydney identity John Ibrahim.

During Nine's luncheon celebrating the success of the network's drama programs, Dirani seats on the head table along with other stars. He says he is still in disbelief that he is a part of the network's star lineup.

"It's weird isn't it? I'm at the creme de la creme table. Sitting with David Gyngell and Lisa McCune - the faces of Channel Nine,'' he says.

"I don't mind that, being the rookie of the year. I'm loving it.''