Underworld character Mick Gatto says he won’t stand in the way of a planned TV series about his life created by Underbelly star Steve Bastoni
Melbourne identity Domenic “Mick” Gatto has revealed he wouldn’t oppose a TV series proposal about his life – at least until he sees the script.
Underbelly actor Steve Bastoni, who is the creative force behind the eight-part drama, recently caught up with Gatto, 66, to discuss details, The Herald-Sun reports.
Gatto, who has been closely linked to the Melbourne underworld, developed a friendship with Bastoni, 56, and promised him that he would not interfere with the development of the project.
Biopic: Melbourne identity Domenic ‘Mick’ Gatto (pictured March 30) has revealed he won’t stand in the way of a proposed TV series about his life – at least until he sees the script
Gatto said he and his family would wait to see the script before greenlighting the project, but for now he is holding back.
“I didn’t guide him in any way,” he said. ‘[Bastoni] can do whatever they want, then show me the script… and if it’s okay, they can do whatever they want.
Bastoni, who will also play Gatto on the show, met the former professional heavyweight boxer in his old Carlton crowd to show him some wigs he had made for the role.
Gatto, who has an autistic grandson, said he would like the series to include his involvement with the non-profit organization Equal access for autism.
Man for the role: Underbelly actor Steve Bastoni (pictured in May 2015), who is the creative force behind the eight-part drama, recently sat down with Gatto, 66, to discuss details
No details have emerged on what Bastoni plans to do with Gatto’s colorful history, which has seen him linked to a number of unsolved crimes.
In 2005, Gatto was acquitted of the shooting murder of hitman Andrew ‘Benji’ Veniamin a year earlier at Carlton for self-defense.
Gatto’s alleged involvement in organized crime has previously been portrayed on Australian television.
Underworld classic: Actor Simon Westaway (pictured) played Gatto in the controversial first season of Channel Nine’s Underbelly in 2008
Actor Simon Westaway played Gatto in the controversial first season of Channel Nine’s crime drama Underbelly in 2008.
The 13-part series, which takes place from 1995 to 2004, was a heavily fictionalized account of the notorious “gang war” between rivals in Melbourne’s underworld.
Gatto was described as a member of the famous Carlton Crew, led by Alphonse Gangitano, played by Vince Colosimo.
Carlton at War: The 13-part series, set from 1995 to 2004, was a heavily fictionalized account of the notorious “gang war” between rivals in Melbourne’s underworld. Gatto was described as a member of the famous Carlton Crew, led by Alphonse Gangitano, played by Vince Colosimo
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