Joe Johnston has inked a deal to direct the revived Gotti: In the Shadow of My Father, which has languished in development hell for the past few years.

The story centers on Gambino crime family boss John Gotti Sr., who is being played by John Travolta. Leo Rossi and Lem Dobbs wrote the screenplay based on a story by the mobster's son John Gotti Jr..

John Travolta had this to say about the addition of the director.

"I'm looking forward to portraying John Gotti -- it's been a long time coming. And I think that Johnston is an exciting and fresh addition to the vision of the film. We are all looking forward to starting production."

Joe Johnston went on to express his excitement about the project.

"I think we've always been fascinated with the idea of the romantic outlaw. John Gotti could be in one instance a charismatic, kind and loving family man, and in another, deadly to his enemies. The opportunity to tell the true story of Gotti with John Travolta is a director's dream."

The director is best known for helming Marvel's Captain America: The First Avenger. Production is scheduled to begin in New York on September 9th.