Getting a much-needed boost before heading to Cannes to shop for foreign buyers, the John Gotti, Sr. biopic Gotti has landed director Joe Johnston (Captain America: The First Avenger).  When last we reported on the status of this picture, it was stuck in neutral, citing a lack of funding.  Relativity Media now has the U.S. distribution rights to the mobster picture that stars John Travolta in the title role.  The movie is based on a story by Gotti's son, John A. Gotti, with an original screenplay by Leo Rossi and revisions by Lem Dobbs.  Johnston plans to start shooting (as it were) in New York on September 9th.  Hit the jump for more.

THR reports that Johnston will now direct Gotti.  Here's what the veteran director had to say 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.”

As for Travolta, he also spoke about the addition of Johnston via a statement:

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

Johnston is currently filming the thriller Not Safe for Work starring Max Minghella, his first feature since Captain America.  Travolta was last seen in Oliver Stone's Savages and will next appear in Mark Steven Johnson's Killing Season.