MGM shuts Eminem pic 'Southpaw'

EminemFuquaWhen DreamWorks place the Eminem-brought boxing pic "Southpaw" into turnaround in August, many industry associates wondered whether another studio could be willing to go into the ring with director Antoine Fuqua, film writer Kurt Sutter and it is questionable star. But Paul Rosenberg and Stuart Parr at Eminem's Shady Films banner and also the father-and-boy creating team of Alan and Peter Riche fought against difficult on its account, as well as their collective efforts have recently compensated off, as MGM has closed an offer to create the gritty drama, which is written by The new sony Pictures. MGM didn't have discuss the offer, though associates near to the process say the organization leapfrogged fellow suitors Alcon Entertainment and Summit Entertainment after being seen because the underdog as lately as a week ago. Story finds Eminem playing a welterweight boxer who fights his method to the title, simply to see his world collapse after tragedy strikes. The film follows Eminem because he fights to reclaim his past glory and regain the affection of his youthful daughter. The title refers that Eminem is really a lefty (a harmful factor inside a boxing ring) and also the project is going to be fueled through the struggles that inform Eminem's music and mirror his existence. Eminem has not made an appearance around the bigscreen since his breakthrough perf in Curtis Hanson's 2002 rap drama "8 Mile." He's switched lower numerous movie offers within the years since, permitting "Southpaw" for everyone because the follow-as much as his acting debut. Eminem is repped by ICM and manager David Schiff, who'll professional produce the pic, that is likely to start production sometime the coming year. Contact Shaun Sneider at shaun.sneider@variety.com