JFK Movie Starring John Travolta Likely to Film in Winnipeg

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A Story Rooted in Mob History

Big news for Winnipeg film fans—there’s a strong chance that John Travolta might be coming to town! He’s set to star in “November 1963: The Killing of a President,” a new JFK movie about the days leading up to his assassination, and Winnipeg is a likely filming location according to the Winnipeg Free Press. And get this—it’s told from the mob’s point of view. With an intriguing storyline and an all-star cast, this JFK movie is shaping up to be a must-watch.

The script was written by Nicholas Celozzi and Joseph Giancana, and it’s based on real-life accounts from Sam Giancana’s brother, Pepe Giancana. If you don’t know, Sam Giancana was a big-time mob boss back in the day, and Celozzi is actually his grandnephew. That family connection definitely adds some extra credibility to the story, making it even more fascinating.

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A Story Rooted in Mob History

Big news for Winnipeg film fans—there’s a strong chance that John Travolta might be coming to town! He’s set to star in “November 1963: The Killing of a President,” a new JFK movie about the days leading up to his assassination, and Winnipeg is a likely filming location according to the Winnipeg Free Press. And get this—it’s told from the mob’s point of view. With an intriguing storyline and an all-star cast, this JFK movie is shaping up to be a must-watch.

The script was written by Nicholas Celozzi and Joseph Giancana, and it’s based on real-life accounts from Sam Giancana’s brother, Pepe Giancana. If you don’t know, Sam Giancana was a big-time mob boss back in the day, and Celozzi is actually his grandnephew. That family connection definitely adds some extra credibility to the story, making it even more fascinating.

Is Winnipeg the Chosen Filming Location?

While it's not 100% confirmed yet, filming is very likely to take place in Winnipeg, with plans tentatively set to begin on May 12 and run through June 20, 2025,  The Cinemaholic reports. Winnipeg has been making a name for itself in the film world, and this just cements its growing reputation as a great place to shoot. Plus, having a production of this scale roll into town is sure to give the local economy a nice boost.

Travolta won’t be the only big name on set—Michael Sheen, Mandy Patinkin, and Dermot Mulroney are also part of the cast. Travolta’s no stranger to mob-related roles (think “Get Shorty” and “Gotti”), so he seems like a perfect fit. Sheen, known for “Frost/Nixon” and “The Queen,” brings some serious acting chops, and with Patinkin and Mulroney in the mix, this is going to be a powerhouse cast.

An Acclaimed Director at the Helm

According to Variety, Roland Joffé is directing the film. He’s a seasoned filmmaker known for historical dramas like The Killing Fields and The Mission, which even won the Palme d’Or at Cannes. With Joffé in charge, this JFK movie is bound to be a gripping watch from start to finish.

The production team is stacked, too. Nicholas Celozzi is leading the charge, alongside Richard Salvatore, David Polemeni, and Michael Sportelli. Executive producers include Lenny Shapiro and Mickey Gooch, and the whole thing is being financed by 828 Media Capital. Celozzi has said he’s passionate about telling this story and giving people a fresh look at one of the most shocking moments in American history.

Winnipeg Locals Might Get a Chance to See the Action

If the filming is officially confirmed, this would be an awesome opportunity for Winnipeg locals to see a major movie being made right in the city. Maybe you’ll even spot Travolta or one of the other stars grabbing coffee or exploring the town between takes. Either way, it’s going to be a fun few months watching this all come together.

November 1963: The Killing of a President has all the makings of a standout film—big names, a fascinating story, and an experienced director. Keep an eye out for more updates on this JFK movie as filming gets underway. Who knows? Winnipeg might just steal the show.

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