A remake of James Caan-led 1974 organised crime classic THE GAMBLER is currently in pre-production with Mark Wahlberg set for the lead role previously played by the legendary Hollywood hellraiser. Rupert Wyatt, director of surprise smash RISE OF THE PLANET OF THE APES and the underrated British prison thriller THE ESCAPIST, will helm the film from Oscar-winning THE DEPARTED screenwriter William Monahan. He took the reigns after turning down the Denzel Washington reboot of 1980s cult series THE EQUALIZER (which later went on to Antoine Fuqua).
The Paramount production is now rounding out its supporting cast with the dreamy Brie Larson in final negotiations to play the female lead. Larson’s rising up the ranks after stand-out turns in 21 JUMP STREET and acclaimed indie SHORT TERM 12. We’re also hearing American Horror Story star and double Oscar-winner Jessica Lange is also joining the film centred on an gambling addict who get into debt with a ruthless mob boss.
Source: Deadline
