De Niro to step into the dugout as Dodgers legend Tommy Lasorda

Robert De Niro is reportedly in talks to play former Los Angeles Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda for a new sports‑drama titled *Tommy & Me*. The film is being developed by Skydance Sports and will be directed by Reid Carolin.

No further details about the storyline or release date have been released.

The project is headed by Skydance Sports as lead studio, with producers Jesse Sisgold, Jason T. Reed, and Sandino Moya‑Smith from Skydance. Mandalay Pictures’ Peter Gube, Intuition Productions’ Keri Selig and Diane Galardi, and Free Association’s Reid and Garret Livetz also serve as producers.

The screenplay is written by George Gallo, Cambron Clark, and Reid Carolin.

Lasorda’s career began as a player with the Philadelphia Phillies and a brief stint in the U.S. Army before returning to the minor leagues. He joined the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1949, mainly playing in the minors but pitching for both the Dodgers and Kansas City Athletics.

His lasting impact came behind the scenes, climbing from scout to minor‑league manager, then to major‑league coaching staff.

Lasorda became third‑base coach for the Dodgers in 1973 under Hall of Fame manager Walter Alston. He was promoted to manager in 1976 and remained in that role until 1996. During that tenure he guided Los Angeles to four National League pennants and World Series championships in 1981 and 1988.

He earned National League Manager of the Year honors in 1983 and 1988, managed four All‑Star Games, was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1997, and saw his No. 2 jersey retired by the Dodgers.

After leaving the dugout, Lasorda managed the United States baseball team at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, leading them to a gold medal over Cuba. He remained an iconic ambassador for both the Dodgers and Los Angeles until his death in 2021 at age 93.

## Background & Context

The film’s working title, *Tommy & Me*, signals a biographical approach, but producers have said nothing about the narrative style or perspective. The writing team—Gallo, Clark, and Carolin—has experience with sports‑centric stories, though no prior works directly reference the Dodgers or Lasorda.

Skydance Sports has previously released sports‑drama content that has resonated with fans, positioning *Tommy & Me* as a potential follow‑up to that success.

De Niro’s recent work includes the Netflix thriller *The Whisper Man*, which amassed approximately 55 million views in its first two weeks on the platform. He is also slated to appear in *Focker‑in‑Law*, the fourth entry of the Fockers series, scheduled for release on November 25.

His representation is handled by CAA and Grubman Shire Meiselas & Sacks.

Director Reid Carolin has built a varied portfolio. He produced *Dog* (2022), starring Channing Tatum, and is attached to Amazon MGM’s motorcycle racing drama *Isle of Man*. As a producing partner at Free Association, he has worked on titles such as *Magic Mike*, *Logan Lucky*, and *Adam Sandler’s Spaceman*.

His executive production credits include the Sundance prize winner *Josephine* this year. Carolin is represented by CAA, Range Media Partners, and Hansen Jacobson Teller.

## What People Are Saying

, De Niro is in preliminary discussions to portray Lasorda, but no confirmation has been issued by the actor or his representatives. Skydance Sports has not released a public statement beyond noting that the project is in development.

The film’s production team, including producers from Skydance Sports and partner studios, have expressed enthusiasm for the material, though specifics remain undisclosed.

While the film’s treatment of Lasorda’s life is still undefined, the involvement of seasoned writers and producers suggests a commitment to authenticity. The screenplay credits list Gallo—known for his work on *The Godfather* trilogy—as a writer, adding weight to expectations that the narrative will be handled with care.

The collaboration with experienced producers from Mandalay, Intuition, and Free Association further supports the project’s potential scope.

No public statements from Lasorda’s family or former teammates have been released regarding the film. Likewise, De Niro has not addressed the project in interviews or social media. Fans of baseball and De Niro alike await further updates to confirm whether the actor will accept the role and when production may begin.

## What Happens Next

The next step for *Tommy & Me* is to move from discussions to a formal contract. Skydance Sports, as lead studio, will likely secure financing and finalize the cast before seeking a director’s full commitment. No release window has been announced, and the film remains in early development.

De Niro’s upcoming projects may influence his availability. With *Focker‑in‑Law* slated for November, he could begin work on a biographical role afterward if both parties agree. The director’s calendar may also affect scheduling; Carolin has other commitments through Amazon MGM and Free Association that could impact production timing.

As the project develops, stakeholders will likely release additional press material, such as casting announcements or production design teasers. Until then, the film remains an intriguing prospect for sports fans and Hollywood watchers alike.