"Raging Bull" Japanese Theatrical Poster
THE MOVIE: Rocky’s Sylvester Stallone and Raging Bull’s Robert De Niro will star in Grudge Match, an action-comedy about two retired boxers who get back in the ring to settle an old grudge.
Warner Bros. expects filming to start early next year. Grudge Match is written by Entourage creator Doug Ellin and Get Smart’s Peter Segal is in talks to direct. The film has a set release date for November 15, 2013.
With Stallone, 65, and De Niro, 68, Grudge Match will be interesting. Does this mean De Niro is going back to the gym? Remember how cut he was in 1991′s Cape Fear? Sure, it was 21 years ago, but with the right trainer, we all know the wonder capable of anything. Rocky Balboa vs. Raging Bull… how cool is that?
Updates: In semi-related news, MGM is taking action against the upcoming Raging Bull II, based on the novel of the same name by Jake LaMotta. MGM claims that LaMotta has a contractual obligation that gives MGM rights to make a film based on his book.
The currently in-production unofficial sequel to Raging Bull, which has William Forsythe playing the aging LaMotta (Mojean Aria plays him as a younger man) is directed by Martin Guigui (Benny Bliss and the Disciples of Greatness). The film also stars Cloris Leachman, Penelope Ann Miller, Joe Mantagne, Tom Sizemore and Paul Sorvino. The director and star of the original film, Martin Scorsese and Robert DeNiro, are not involved in the sequel in any way, shape or form.
It’s official, according to Collider (via Deadline), Grudge Match is a go. Stallone vs. De Niro is going to happen! | Accoring to Collider, Kim Basinger has been added to the cast. | Collider reports that Argo’s Alan Arkin is in talks to join the cast. | Look for Grudge Match in theaters on November 15, 2013.
BREAKING NEWS: Check out the first ‘behind the scenes’ photo of De Niro and Stallone in boxing gear. Thanks to Martial Arts Action Cinema for the pic.
Hope Bobby can handle the physical demands on his end.