Home / Arts and Entertainment / Eminem nearly starred in 'Southpaw': The untold story
Eminem nearly starred in 'Southpaw': The untold story
8 Feb
Summary
- Jake Gyllenhaal trained intensely for five months for his role.
- The film was originally conceived for rapper Eminem.
- Antoine Fuqua's boxing drama is now streaming on Paramount+.
Antoine Fuqua's 2015 boxing film 'Southpaw' features a transformative performance by Jake Gyllenhaal as boxer Billy Hope. Gyllenhaal committed five months to intense training and researching boxing's subculture for the physically demanding role. The movie's narrative, centering on a down-on-his-luck Billy whose life unravels after personal tragedy, was originally envisioned for rapper Eminem.
Screenwriter Kurt Sutter drew inspiration from Eminem's personal struggles, aiming for 'Southpaw' to be a spiritual successor to '8 Mile.' Eminem was interested but departed the project in 2012 to focus on music. Gyllenhaal subsequently took the role, bringing a nuanced vulnerability that enriched the character of Billy Hope. The film also features strong supporting performances from Rachel McAdams and a breakout role by Oona Laurence as Billy's daughter.
