Joe Pesci and Robert DeNiro sign up for new Scorsese film The Irishman

After reportedly being asked as many as 50 times to take the role, Joe Pesci is finally getting involved in Scorsese's new mob drama.

Al Pacino has also been lined up to star in the film, making it the first time that the The Godfather of crime dramas has worked with with Scorsese, while it'll be a 10th time for long-standing collaborator Robert DeNiro.

Production began on the mob drama last year, with lucrative rights picked up at Cannes Film Festival. It has also been reported that Netflix had acquired worldwide rights to the film and that, to qualify for Oscar recognition, it would receive a small theatrical release.

Doubt has long been cast over Pesci's involvement in the project but the news was semi-confirmed by the director's long-time editor Thelma Schoonmaker earlier this month and now a deal has been finalised.

It'll be his fourth time working with the filmmaker following Raging Bull, Goodfellas and Casino. Pesci will play Pennsylvanian Mafia boss Russell Bufalino.