11/09/2012

Alan Arkin to slug it out with Sylvester Stallone and Robert De Niro in 'Grudge Match'


Always a welcome addition to any cast, Alan Arkin is probably still basking in the rave reviews for Ben Affleck's Argo. I think people are also going to respond well to his bittersweet performance opposite Christopher Walken and Al Pacino in Stand Up Guys once it opens in February(review to come shortly). But he's far from done hanging out with screen legends, as now he's entered talks to join Robert De Niro and Sylvester Stallone in the boxing comedy Grudge Match.

Directed by Peter Segal, the film puts the Rocky and Raging Bull stars into the ring as old fighters who decide to step into the ring one last time to settle their rivalry. With Kevin Hart and Kim Basinger co-starring, Arkin would step in as  "Lightning" Louis Epstein, Stallone's old trainer who resumes his old position after he's rescued from a nursing home. It should be noted that Arkin is also rescued from a nursing home in Stand Up Guys. Typecast?

Doug Ellin(Entourage) wrote the latest draft of the script, with production set to begin early next year. [Variety]