Eminem Was the First Choice for Mark Wahlberg’s Role in ‘The Fighter,’
Eminem was initially considered for the role that ultimately went to Mark Wahlberg in 'The Fighter' https://t.co/uvm1z9Nf5Y
- The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) February 19, 2023
Film producer Todd Lieberman revealed that Eminem was initially producers’ top choice to star as boxer Micky Ward in The Fighter. The role in the 2010 David O. Russell-directed movie ultimately went to Mark Wahlberg.
Discussions surrounding Eminem followed the success of director Curtis Hanson’s 2002 film 8 Mile.
“That was a moment in time where he had come off of 8 Mile, and he was interested in making movies, and he wanted to do a boxing movie. So that was something we pursued for a minute. And there was real life in that for a minute.”
There was then a plan for the film to star Matt Damon as Micky and Brad Pitt as Dicky.
Darren Aronofsky was intending to direct before Russell took over.
Wahlberg and Bale landed the roles, and the movie collected $129 million worldwide.
It earned seven Oscar nominations, with Bale winning best supporting actor.
And Melissa Leo prevailing for best supporting actress.
source