Earlier today, The Playlist team ran down their favorite rom-coms and if there was any unifying thread to the variety of movies we had listed, it was that chemistry and appeal between the two leads is essential. If you don't have stars that can be charming, attractive, funny and sympathetic, no matter how good the script is, it just won't work. But luckily for the makers of "Fighting Jacob," they're off to a good start.
Jamie Bell ("The Adventures of Tintin," "Jane Eyre") and Kate Mara ("127 Hours," "Happythankyoumoreplease") are set to lead the feature film directorial debut by Charlie McDowell. Penned by Justin Lader, this one boasts a high concept, which is not usual for these kinds of films. Bell will play the titular Jacob 'The Manic Maniac' Rosenthal, a rising boxer whose success is hampered by his OCD. When his girlfriend (Mara) breaks up with him, Jacob is forced to take a look at himself and his neuroses and figure out if he can be happy in life and as a boxer.
The project seems like a nice chance for both of these talented young actors to do something they don't really get a chance to do all that often. Bell has been moving between dramas and genre fare for the past little while, and this is definitely a chance for him to flex a little acting muscle (and real muscle too, we suppose). And we're just glad to see Mara stepping into a leading role. Production kicks off this summer. [Variety]