The upcoming film “November 1963,” set to be released on November 20, 2026, offers a fresh perspective on the assassination of President John F. Kennedy by exploring the event through the eyes of the Chicago mafia. The narrative centers on the family of mobster Joseph ‘Pepi’ Giancana, with the screenplay penned by Niki Čeloči, a relative of the Giancana family. Čeloči aims to provide a unique insight into the events surrounding the assassination, focusing on the lesser-known involvement of the mafia.
Directed by Roland Joffé, the film features a star-studded cast including John Travolta, Dermot Mulroney, Robert Carlyle, and Mandy Patinkin. Travolta plays John Roselli, a mafia figure allegedly involved in a CIA conspiracy to assassinate Cuban leader Fidel Castro. The film’s trailer, recently released, highlights the attempts by several real-life mobsters to locate Lee Harvey Oswald following Kennedy’s assassination in Dallas.
The film distinguishes itself from previous portrayals of the JFK assassination by emphasizing the perspective of Joseph ‘Pepi’ Giancana, the brother of the notorious Chicago mobster Sam Giancana. Čeloči, who has long been intrigued by his uncle Pepi’s stories about the events of November 1963, sought to bring this narrative to the big screen. He waited for the approval of his cousin Bonnie, Sam Giancana’s daughter, before proceeding with the project. Bonnie is portrayed in the film by Zoe Fish, while Sam Giancana is played by Thomas Fishella.
Čeloči explains that the film aims to depict the real emotions and decisions of the mafia figures involved, contrasting with the often exaggerated portrayals seen in popular media. “This isn’t ‘The Sopranos’; it’s more akin to ‘The Godfather,’” Čeloči stated, emphasizing the film’s commitment to authenticity. He collaborated closely with the cast to ensure the accuracy of their portrayals, with Travolta showing particular interest in understanding his character’s motivations and mannerisms.
The film also touches on the alleged broken promises between the Kennedy administration and the Chicago mafia, which purportedly led to feelings of betrayal among the mobsters. This narrative thread highlights the complex and often murky relationships between political figures and organized crime during that era.
Čeloči’s motivation to create “November 1963” stemmed from the numerous conflicting accounts and misconceptions surrounding the assassination. He expressed a desire to present a story based on first-hand accounts, allowing audiences to draw their own conclusions. “This isn’t a story someone heard from a friend; it’s from someone who was in the room,” Čeloči emphasized.
The film’s release is likely to spark discussions about the accuracy of its portrayal of historical events and the mafia’s role in the assassination. While the narrative offers a fresh angle, it may also provoke differing opinions regarding its interpretation of the events of November 1963. The film’s impact on Serbian audiences, who may be less familiar with American history, remains to be seen, but its unique perspective and cultural significance could resonate with viewers interested in historical narratives and mafia lore.
