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Sylvester Stallone set for TV mafia role

Sylvester Stallone will play a mafia boss in a new TV series.

The 'Expendables' actor is reportedly finalising a deal for what will be his first major scripted small screen role in Antoine Fuqua's TV adaptation of Mario Puzo's novel 'Omerta'.

The book - which was published in 2000, a year after the writer's death - is the final in the author's mob trilogy, which began with 'The Godfather' and continued with 'The Last Don'.

The 69-year-old actor is expected to play the mafia head at the centre of the story.

A network is not yet attached to the project, but sources told The Hollywood Reporter it will soon be shopped to cable and streaming services ahead of filming a pilot episode beginning this summer.

The veteran star was the favourite to pick up the Best Supporting Actor prize at this year's Oscars and though he lost out to Mark Rylance, he admitted he would never forget the last 12 months after winning a string of accolades including Golden Globe and Critic's Choice awards for returning to the character of Rocky Balboa in 'Creed'.

Alongside a picture of himself red carpet ready for the Academy Awards, he posted on Instagram: "On my way to the Oscars... It's been a most memorable year."