Jerry Ferrara looks ready to show off his boxing skills and will play boxer Arturo Gatti in an untitled biopic.
Nicknamed “the Thunder,” Gatti was a two-time world champion boxer who went 40-9 over his 15-year career. His infamous battle with Micky Ward spanned three fights, all of which were voted fight of the year by Ring Magazine.
Gatti died under controversial circumstances in 2009 when Brazilian authorities originally declared his death a homicide and charged his wife with the crime before deeming it a suicide. The Gatti family had a separate investigation into the matter and their private coroner declared his death a homicide.
Michael Strahan is producing the pic, along with his producing partner Constance Schwartz of SMAC Entertainment, Sandy Kyrkostas of 24p Media Group, and Pat Lynch. Lynch, who managed Gatti throughout his career and knew him better than anyone.
“I’m extremely excited to be able to tell Arturo’s true life story,” Lynch said. “He was more than just my fighter, he was so much a big part of my family.”
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Mark Wahlberg (who actually played Ward in “The Fighter”) and Stephen Levinson are exec producing.
“I’m excited to be a part of making a film about an incredible champion, boxer, character, and someone that deserves to have their story told in the right way,” Strahan said.
Ferrara is also signed on for the indie drama “The Life.” With both projects Ferrara, who is known primarily for his role on TV’s “Entourage,” is starting to show more of a dramatic side in his career.
The Gatti role would also show Ferrara’s athleticism. The thesp has recently been Tweeting about his training, even mentioning hurting his hand during his preparation and hinting at the role by sharing a famous quote from Gatti.
“I hear the cheers when I need to hear them. It feels good to know my fans are still behind me.”
Arturo Gatti THUNDER— Jerry Ferrara (@jerryferrara) October 1, 2013
Aside from the “Entourage” movie, which is in limbo, Ferrara has stayed busy in the feature world. He co-starred in the hit comedy “Think Like a Man,” which already has a sequel set to bow in June and co-stars with Michael Douglas and Robert De Niro in “Last Vegas.” He also has a role in Universal’s “Lone Survivor” and recently wrapped production on the indie “The Life.”
He and Wahlberg are repped by WME and Leverage Management. Strahan is repped by WME and SMAC Entertainment.
