The makings of a good biopic all signal the same recipe: a provocative public figure, a solid lead role, and an impressive director behind the scenes, and according to new reports, legendary boxer Mike Tyson’s story seems to be up next to get a proper transfer over to the silver screen.
The possibility of a legitimate biopic of Tyson’s life first found root in 2014 when actor and singer Jamie Foxx attached himself to the project, hinting that he’d play the lead role with Martin Scorsese (Goodfellas, The Departed, The Wolf of Wall Street) heading up direction. Back in January of this year, the actor gave life to the idea once more in an interview with Screen Rant, confirming that it "is a go."
"[Martin Scorsese's] attached, and it’s—Mike Tyson’s life is one of the most amazing American stories," he went on to add.
Now eight months later, according to The Jasmine Brand, Mike Tyson has also confirmed the biopic’s creation, excited for its development.
“It’s on, as of right now. Jamie Foxx has signed on for it,” Tyson allegedly told the publication. “Filming hasn’t started yet but it’s going to happen. A lot of people aren’t going to like the things I’ve done in my life.”
While we’re not sure how people will necessary feel about the details of Mike Tyson’s life, if executed properly, it will certainly entertain an audience. Such is the reality of a story that entails controversial instances of domestic violence, a three year stint in prison for rape, all while balancing the flashy lifestyle of super stardom.
In the past, we’ve seen the backlash that comes with what seems to be a failure to properly convey someone’s intricate storyline onscreen, but if we know anything about the acting chops of the Oscar-winning Foxx, who is no stranger to a successful biopic or two, and the storytelling talents of a mind like Scorsese, we’re sure that Tyson’s life story rest in good hands.
“Mike knows it is Jamie’s dream to play him and they have talked about gym work and how he could put him through his paces,” a source told The Jasmine Brand. “The only thing is if they go sparring and Mike connects, Jamie may never make any movie again.”