Johnny Depp is all set to play Whitey Bulger, one of Boston’s most notorious criminals, in the upcoming film “Black Mass”.

Bulger has been the object of fascination for many over the years, specifically since Scorsese’s much-loved film “The Departed” was released in 2006. Jack Nicholson had the honors of playing the role back then, so it will be interesting to see what Depp does with it.

Bulger was accused over the years of various crimes; his reputation was one of violence and corruption, yet he also worked with the FBI to cover his tail. But those ties soon soured and Bulger became one of the infamous names on the FBI’s 10 Most Wanted List on 19 counts of of murder, as well as conspiracy to commit murder, narcotics distribution, extortion, and money laundering. He was captured in 2011, hiding out in California.

“I could not be more thrilled to have the biggest star in the world and Academy-Award winning director Barry Levinson to finally bring this incredible story to the big screen,” said Cross Creek Pictures president Brian Oliver in a statement. “We have been working on this project since we originally optioned the book in 2005. Black Mass expertly details the twists and turns of this highly complex story, painting a vivid portrait of Boston’s underbelly and its corrupt political machine, as well as exposing the worst scandal in FBI history. It’s also an examination of loyalty to family, Irish heritage, and South Boston.”

“Black Mass”, which is being helmed by Barry Levinson, is an adaptation of the book Black Mass: The True Story of an Unholy Alliance Between the FBI and the Irish Mob, written by former Boston Globe reporters Dick Lehr and Gerald O’Neill. Filming is set to begin this May.