A-list actor, Johnny Depp has been confirmed to lead the gangster thriller, “Black Mass”, playing the role of the character of the film’s mastermind, Whitey Bulger.

The film is scheduled to start shooting in May. It is reportedly going to be co-produced and co-financed by Cross Creek and Exclusive Media.

The Hollywood Reporter noted that “Black Mass” is set to be ‘shopped to foreign buyers’ at various film groups and festivities, including the upcoming European Film Market in Berlin. Universal studios signed up to distribute the film in North America.

The gangster thriller, “Black Mass” is the film adaptation of the New York’s bestseller, “ Black Mass: The True Story of an Unholy Alliance Between the FBI and the Irish Mob.” Written by Boston Globe reporters Dick Lehr and Gerland O'Neil, the book tells the story of Buger, a notorious mob leader who has been on FBI’s Ten Most Wanted List for over ten years.

THR noted that Bulger, captured by FBI in 2011, is regarded as the “most infamous criminal in the history of South Boston.” A film adaptation was written by Mark Mallouk.

Depp is playing the character of the “most infamous criminal in the history of South Boston,” who worked as an FBI informant following his arrest two years ago.

The native of Kentucky, the 49-year-old Depp is considered one of the most versatile actors in Hollywood. He is known for his role in box-office hits including the “Pirates of the Carribean” series, “Public Enemies,” “Edward Scissorhands,” “The Tourist,” among others.