While many people only recently found out that a new Raging Bull was underway; a hybrid prequel/sequel to the classic Martin Scorsese directed movie, based on the life of troubled boxer Jake LaMotta; it appears as though MGM aren’t too happy about it, and have just filed a lawsuit to have production shut down for good.
It appears as though the man who should have the most say in proceedings; LaMotta; is actually backing the new movie and working with producers to get it developed, but MGM are looking to scupper proceedings by launching a claim that a new, inferior, film will inevitably tarnish the reputation of the stellar original. And that Jake didn’t have the rights to offer up his sequel book to a rival studio before first giving MGM the rights to turn it down.
At this point it’s not certain whether or not Raging Bull II, which places William Forsythe (The Rock) as LaMotta, in the role once occupied by Robert De Niro, and Mojean Aria (The Unforgettable Key) as a young LaMotta, will ever see the light of day, but if it does it will co-star Tom Sizemore (Saving Private Ryan), Ray Wise (Robocop), Bill Bellamy (Any Given Sunday), Joe Mantegna (Criminal Minds), Paul Sorvino (Goodfellas), and Penelope Ann Miller (The Artist).
Matt Wheeldon.
Source: Deadline.
