As an actor, Sylvester Stallone has always been pretty much one-note. That said, he plays that one note well when he’s got the right material (the Rocky films, for example, or Cop Land or First Blood, pictured above). Unfortunately, one note does not make a great actor. That’s why it’s so surprising to Stallone campaigning to play a infamous public figure John Gotti in a new film. Does he think he’s got the chops to play a mobster?

Since his jail time and subsequent death, Gotti has yet to received the big-screen treatment, despite having a few television adaptations in his honor (most notably Gotti, starring Armand Assante). As Hollywood does loves gangsters, it’s not much of a surprise that this may soon change, as Stallone is extremely interested in the role [TMZ via Cinematical].

The actor is apparently so far into the project that he’s ready to hire a screenwriter, even though this is the first that we’ve hear about it. I don’t really see him playing the role convincingly, and it will also apparently be told from the perspective of John Gotti Jr.’s memories of him, which could be interesting to see employed. But, whenever I think of Stallone playing the role, I lose any real interest, because he just seems like such a bad choice. Who knows, though, maybe I’m wrong and he’ll surprise everybody. I would like to see that happen.

What do you think of Stallone taking on the role of a famous mob boss? Is it too late for the action star to be taken seriously?