Robert De Niro is set to portray an MLB legend in a new baseball movie. The role marks De Niro’s first foray into baseball cinema in three decades, following his performances in 1973’s Bang the Drum Slowly and 1996’s The Fan.
According to DeadlineDe Niro is in talks to play Tommy Lasorda in Tommy & Me. Reid Carolin is directing the film for Skydance Sports and co-wrote the screenplay with George Gallo and Cambron Clark. The film will tell the story of Lasorda, the longtime Los Angeles Dodgers manager who became one of baseball’s most recognizable figures.
Lasorda managed the Dodgers from 1976 through 1996. He led the team to four National League pennants and two World Series championships, winning titles in 1981 and 1988. Before taking over as manager, Lasorda held several other roles within the Dodgers organization after his playing career.
The film also marks an interesting connection to Steven Soderbergh. Carolin previously wrote and produced Magic Mike and Magic Mike’s Last Dance, both of which Soderbergh directed. He also co-wrote and co-directed Dog, which starred Channing Tatum. Carolin’s previous work with Soderbergh makes his involvement in the new baseball project particularly notable.
The film will also reunite De Niro with George Gallo, who previously wrote his 1988 hit Midnight Run.
What other movies has Robert De Niro starred in lately?
De Niro has remained active on the big screen in recent years. He most recently starred in The Whisper Man, a thriller based on Alex North’s novel. He will also reprise his role as Jack Byrnes in Focker-in-Law, the upcoming fourth installment in the Meet the Parents series.
In 2025, De Niro appeared in several projects. He starred in The Alto Knights, playing both real-life mob bosses Frank Costello and Vito Genovese. The actor also appeared in the action thriller Tin Soldier. Apart from films, he also starred in the Netflix series Zero Day, where he played the role of George Mullen.
If De Niro officially joins Tommy & Me, the role will add another prominent real-life character to his extensive filmography.