It looks like the Mike Tyson biopic is finally gathering some steam. Jamie Foxx who has been linked to the project since last year has revealed that the film will be helmed by Martin Scorsese with Boardwalk Empire creator Terence Winter penning the screenplay.
“I just went in with Paramount with Mike Tyson. So I’m going to do the Mike Tyson story,” said Foxx during a recent radio interview. “And Martin Scorsese at the helm. This will be the first boxing movie that Martin Scorsese has done since Raging Bull,” added the actor.
However, Paramount has yet to confirm the news but a Tyson biopic does seem intriguing especially considering the volatile career the one-time heavyweight champion once endured. Tyson was the youngest heavyweight champ in history, holding the title for three years before losing his title to James ‘Buster’ Douglas.
The boxer was convicted of rape in 1992 and sentenced to prison and he is notoriously known for biting Evander Holyfield’s’ ear during a heated match in 1997 as well. Nevertheless, despite Foxx’s announcement, this isn’t the first time Iron Mike Tyson has been the subject of a biopic. HBO produced a made for TV movie on the athlete in 1995 starring Michael Jai White.