The boxing drama “Southpaw” has taken a few body shots during the development process. At one time set up at Sony and MGM, it had rapper Eminem attached to star, but things didn’t come together and it was thrown on the backburner. But sensing that there is a good movie here, The Weinstein Company snapped it up earlier this year and it seems things are moving right along, with another actor now ready to strap on the gloves.
Jake Gyllenhaal is now in talks to take the lead in the Antoine Fuqua directed film. Penned by Kurt Sutter of “Sons of Anarchy” fame, the story chronicles the rise of a lefty welterweight all the way to a championship title as he battles various tragedies in his personal life, and wins back the love of his daughter. And if you’re wondering whether or not Gyllenhaal can build the body to portray a pugilist, let us remind you (briefly, because it was terrible) of “Prince Of Persia.” Mostly, it’s another fascinating part for an actor who is suddenly busy and choosing a wide variety of material to take on.
Even playing cops in “End Of Watch” and “Prisoners,” he showed a pretty wide range of what kind of person could be in the job, while in the forthcoming “Enemy,” he shows off two more different characters in a single film. Right now he’s shooting the journalism drama “Nightcrawler” which should be another interesting part. Either the offers are getting better or he’s hunting down the right roles, but keep on’ doing what you do Jake. [The Wrap]