Lianne
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Joined: 28 Jul 1999
Posts: 1723
Location: San Francisco, CA
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 Posted: Wed Apr 13, 2005 9:10 pm Post subject: Wahlberg to tackle pigskin pic |
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Key word here is negotiating - meaning its not a done deal.
Wahlberg to tackle pigskin pic
Thesp hopes to fly like an Eagle
MICHAEL FLEMING, DAVID S. COHEN
Walt Disney Pictures is negotiating with Mark Wahlberg to star in a film based on the underdog story of Vince Papale, a Philadelphia Eagles fan who answered an open tryout and emerged with a spot on the team.
The film, which had been called "Invincible" but is undergoing a title change, will be directed this summer by Ericson Core.
It will be produced by Mayhem Pictures partners Gordon Gray and Mark Ciardi, and Ken Mok. Gray and Ciardi produced Disney's two other inspirational sports hits, "Miracle" and "The Rookie." Brad Gann and Mike Rich wrote the script.
Papale was a 30-year old bartender who'd lost his teaching job and his wife, when incoming Eagles head coach Dick Vermeil decided to shake up his lethargic team by inviting fans to compete for a roster spot. Papale, a lifelong fan who'd never played high school football, joined a swarm of fans at the tryout. He was the only one invited to camp.
Core is directing his first feature after serving as cinematographer on such films as "Payback," "The Fast And The Furious" and "Daredevil." Disney topper Nina Jacobson and execs Brad Epstein and Mac Torluccio are overseeing the film, and Nikki Reed and Victor Constantino are exec producing.
Wahlberg is starring in the John Singleton-directed "Four Brothers," and then will join his "Basketball Diaries" cast mate Leonardo DiCaprio in the Martin Scorsese-directed "The Departed." Disney hopes to kickoff its gridiron film this summer.
Source: Variety (subscription req.) |
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