Travolta To Play 'The Dapper Don' In Upcoming Gotti Film; Lohan In Talks

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- It was an offer he couldn't refuse.

On Tuesday, actor John Travolta announced that he has signed with Fiore Films to play mob boss John Gotti in the upcoming feature film "Gotti: Three Generations."

"This is probably the most interesting, untold story in this country," Travolta said at a press conference. "Meeting John Gotti Jr. was one of the pleasures I've had that sent me over the top recently."

Travolta said a five-hour dinner meeting with "Junior" Gotti was a tremendous influence in his decision to play the lead in the movie.

"His father lost a son and I've lost a son. We discussed that in depth and how painful that is and how painful it was for his father. It was an amazing kind of evening -- a bonding of some sort," Travolta said.

The younger Gotti said the A-list actor was a perfect fit to portray his dad. In fact, he said "The Dapper Don" was a fan.

"In the '70s and '80s who wasn't a John Travolta fan?" he asked.

"Believe it or not my favorite show is 'Growing up Gotti,'" Travolta said.

Many people are expecting Travolta to hit the streets of Gotti's home turf in Howard Beach.

"I seen his movies where he looks absolutely great in the movies he's on, especially playing the bad guy," one resident told CBS 2's Hazel Sanchez.

"He looks kind of mafia," another resident said.

Actress Lindsay Lohan is also in talks to play Gotti's daughter, Victoria. The family said their life story will take people by surprise.

"We're pretty normal a family. We really do the basic things that everybody else...normal, everyday Americans do in the household," Gotti said.

Actor Joe Pesce will co-star in the film as Gotti deputy, Angelo Ruggiero. The role of John "Junior" Gotti has not yet been cast.

Do you think the producers found the right guy? Please offer your thoughts in the comments section below.