Robert De Niro's The Alto Knights' Projected to Be One of 2025's Biggest Box Office Flops

Robert De Niro takes on a challenging dual role in Barry Levinson’s latest mob drama The Alto Knights, but the film is already being anticipated as one of the biggest box office disappointments of the year.

Produced by Warner Bros., The Alto Knights stars De Niro as rival crime bosses Vito Genovese and Frank Costello. Despite a reported production budget of $45 million, the film’s opening weekend is expected to generate only $2-3 million across 2,800 cinemas in the U.S., according to Variety.

High Hopes with Cinematic Pedigree

The film boasts an impressive creative team, with a screenplay by Nicholas Pileggi, the journalist and writer behind iconic mob classics Goodfellas (1990) and Casino (1995). Director Barry Levinson also brings his own gangster movie experience, having directed Bugsy (1991) and the cult classic Diner (1982).

Additionally, the film's cinematography was handled by Dante Spinotti, known for his acclaimed work in Heat (1995). Yet, even with such strong credentials, early projections suggest that The Alto Knights is struggling to attract viewers.

Critical Reception and De Niro’s Performance

The Independent’s critic Clarisse Loughrey gave the film a two-star review, critiquing its lack of impact despite its star power. One of the film’s most anticipated scenes, reminiscent of Heat’s famous diner confrontation, falls flat. Loughrey wrote, “The twist is that, this time, both men are Robert De Niro. Yet that headline scene, in reality, slips by without much incident.”

While De Niro’s portrayal of both Genovese and Costello was meant to add a metaphorical layer to the story, critics argue that the distinction between the two characters is insufficiently defined. Loughrey further commented, “De Niro’s doubled presence would imply a metaphorical link... But De Niro, as mighty as he may be, can’t distinguish these two men in a way that justifies the stunt.”

A Disappointing Start for a Promising Film

Despite the extensive talent involved, The Alto Knights faces a tough road ahead at the box office. With underwhelming reviews and poor opening projections, the film may struggle to recover its budget.

As audiences weigh in, it remains to be seen whether word-of-mouth or international markets will offer a lifeline to Levinson's latest endeavor. For now, The Alto Knights stands as a cautionary tale about the challenges of reviving the mob drama genre, even with legends like De Niro at the helm.