Does Mark Wahlberg have what it takes to fill James Caan's shoes in one of his most unappreciated roles? That's what Rupert Wyatt (Rise of the Planet of the Apes) and Paramount are hoping for with The Gambler, a remake of the 1974 film. Penned by William Monahan (The Departed), the story finds Wahlberg as a college professor whose personal and professional life are in jeopardy due to his gambling addiction. We haven't seen Wahlberg take a role like this in a long time, and judging by this trailer there's good reason why some are eying him as a possible Best Actor candidate.
Also starring Brie Larson, John Goodman, Michael K. Williams, and Jessica Lange, The Gambler opens December 19th in limited release, expanding January 2nd 2015.
Jim Bennett (Academy Award® nominee Mark Wahlberg) is a risk taker. Both an English professor and a high-stakes gambler, Bennett bets it all when he borrows from a gangster (Michael Kenneth Williams) and offers his own life as collateral. Always one step ahead, Bennett pits his creditor against the operator of a gambling ring (Alvin Ing) and leaves his dysfunctional relationship with his wealthy mother (Academy Award® winner Jessica Lange) in his wake. He plays both sides, immersing himself in an illicit, underground world while garnering the attention of Frank (John Goodman), a loan shark with a paternal interest in Bennett’s future. As his relationship with a student (Brie Larson) deepens, Bennett must take the ultimate risk for a second chance…
