Joe Pesci believed he was going to paid $3 million to play real-life John Gotti enforcer Angelo Ruggiero in the upcoming movie 'Gotti: In The Shadow of My Father.'

In fact, Pesci was so sure he had the role he gained 30 pounds to play the heavy-set Ruggiero.

According to a lawsuit Pesci has just filed, Gotti's producers then reneged on their offer, and instead told Pesci he would be playing a smaller role for less money role that didn't require weight gain.

Pesci alleges the motivation behind the switcheroo is that the producers wanted to trick him into promoting the movie, which he did.

The 68-year old actor is seeking $3 million plus punitive damages -- which would presumably be for his unneeded weight gain.

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