Sylvester Stallone turns villain

Actor Sylvester Stallone, known for playing heroes like John Rambo and Rocky Balboa, is now considering playing a villain - Greg Scarpa, a notorious mob boss.

The film's screenplay by Nick Pileggi, who wrote Goodfellas and Casino, will highlight Greg Scarpa's involvement in 20 murders and focus on his career, reports New York Post newspaper's Page Six column.

Nick said "It's a fabulous story. Mr Stallone is interested. He likes the script."

Irwin Winkler, of Rocky fame, will produce the film along with Avi Lerner, who produced The Expendables and its sequels.