Even better than football, boxing movies have proven to be the most effective and popular of the sports drama. For good reason, as they emphasize the personal and singular fight each of us must eventually face in life. Films that are similar in style and tone, like The Wrestler and The Fighter, have proven to be huge hits, so it's no wonder studios continue to circle around other brawling dramas. While we're still waiting to see if the Eminem starring Southpaw ever gets off the ground, another film based on the sweet science is set to kick off later this month.
Michael Clarke Duncan and S. Epatha Merkerson(Law & Order) have joined The Challenger, and like most boxing films it features a hard scrabble fighter forced back into the ring to save his family from eviction. Actor turned filmmaker Kent Moran(Listen to Your Heart) will star and make his directorial debut, also writing the script. Justin Hartley(Smallville), Ernie Sabella, and Lisa Hartley will co-star. Duncan will play the legendary trainer helps Moran's character, while Merkerson will play his adopted mother.
It's been a long time since Duncan has done anything really worth talking about, having last voiced Kilowog in Green Lantern. Merkerson, who spent 16 seasons on Law & Order, will have a small role in Stephen Spielberg's Lincoln.
