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.
The film, currently accessible on Paramount+, delves into Billy Hope's arduous redemption arc after losing his wife, Maureen, to gun violence and subsequently battling addiction. His struggle to regain control of his life and reconnect with his daughter, Leila, forms the emotional core of the narrative. While acknowledging the film adheres to familiar boxing movie tropes, it is recognized as a competent character study driven by its lead performances.
