Joe Pesci claims the makers of a biopic on the Gotti family have made him an offer he can refuse – a lesser part in the movie and a two million US dollar salary cut.

The actor sued Fiore Films, seeking the three million dollars he said he was promised to play the role of a childhood friend and enforcer of crime boss John Gotti Sr.

Mr Pesci claims the company used his name and likeness to promote the movie and attract investors, but now does not want to honour its original offer to him.

He has been offered a lesser role for a one million US dollar payday, the lawsuit stated.

Fiore chief executive officer Marc Fiore rejected the claims, saying he received correspondence months ago from the actor’s representatives telling him Mr Pesci was pulling out of the project until the original director, who left the project, was replaced.

“Before we had a deal, Mr Pesci walked away,” Mr Fiore said.

Mr Pesci’s attorney Brandon Tesser called Mr Fiore’s statement false, saying no one informed Mr Pesci of a reduced role until recently.

The actor’s lawsuit stated Mr Pesci gained 30lb to play the role of a trusted Gotti Sr adviser, Angelo Ruggiero.

Mr Pesci cited his roles in mobster films such as Casino and his Oscar-winning role in Goodfellas, and his lawsuit said he was fully committed to playing Ruggiero in Gotti: In the Shadow of My Father.

The movie focuses on the experiences of John Gotti Jr, who rejected his mob ties.

Mr Pesci had been named as a prominent cast member in the film alongside John Travolta, who is scheduled to play Gotti Sr, along with Al Pacino and Kelly Preston.

The actor’s role was ann-ounced at an April press conference. His lawsuit said that helped lend the film credibility, garnered it publicity and helped attract investors and other actors.

Shortly after the announcement, director Nick Cassavetes withdrew from the film.