MGM shuts Eminem pic 'Southpaw'

EminemFuquaWhen DreamWorks put the Eminem-introduced boxing pic "Southpaw" into turnaround in August, many industry affiliates wondered whether another studio might be willing to enter the ring with director Antoine Fuqua, film author Kurt Sutter which is questionable star. But Paul Rosenberg and Stuart Parr at Eminem's Shady Films banner as well as the father-and-boy creating team of Alan and Peter Riche fought against against very challenging to its account, in addition to their collective efforts have lately paid out off, as MGM has closed a deal to produce the gritty drama, that is compiled by The brand new the new sony Pictures. MGM did not have discuss the sale, though affiliates near the process the organization leapfrogged fellow suitors Alcon Entertainment and Summit Entertainment after being seen since the underdog as recently as the other day. Story finds Eminem playing a welterweight boxer who fights his approach to the title, only to see his world collapse after tragedy strikes. The film follows Eminem while he fights to reclaim his past glory and restore the affection of his youthful daughter. The title refers that Eminem can be a lefty (a dangerous factor in the boxing ring) as well as the project will probably be fueled with the struggles that inform Eminem's music and mirror his existence. Eminem hasn't came out round the bigscreen since his breakthrough perf in Curtis Hanson's 2002 rap drama "8 Mile." He's switched lower numerous movie offers inside the years since, enabling "Southpaw" for everybody since the follow-around his acting debut. Eminem is repped by ICM and manager David Schiff, who'll professional produce the pic, that's prone to start production sometime next season. Contact Rob Sneider at rob.sneider@variety.com