Alan Arkin Joins Robert De Niro In GRUDGE MATCH

Alan Arkin is in negotiations to join Robert De Niro, Kim Basinger, and Sylvester Stallone in Warner Bros. boxing drama Grudge Match. The movie is set to be directed by Peter Segal (Get Smart) from a script written by Tim Kelleher and rewritten by Entourage creator Doug Ellin.

In the film, De Niro and Stallone play retired fighters who decide to step into the ring one last time to settle an old score. According to Variety, "Stallone plays Henry 'Razor' Sharp, who retired after winning his last fight against Billy 'The Kid' McGuigan (De Niro), a passionate pugilist who never recovered after losing his belt to Razor and being denied a rematch. Now an out-of-shape restaurant owner, The Kid longs to be back in the spotlight and jumps at the chance to take another shot at Razor."

Arkin would play a character named "Lightning" Louis Epstein, "Razor's former trainer who despite a medical condition, agrees to resume his post after Razor rescues him from a nursing home. Razor takes the rematch to pay Lightning's medical bills, but questions his decision when an old flame (Basinger) comes back into his life. Comedian Kevin Hart will co-star as the fight promoter."

I love this film concept, especially since both actors have played boxers in their careers. Arkin will make a great addition to this already awesome cast.