Michael Shannon Joins David Corenswet in Skydance Sports' John Tuggle Biopic as Coach Bill Parcells
Michael Shannon is stepping into a new kind of iconic role as he has signed on to play legendary NFL coach Bill Parcells in an upcoming football drama from Skydance Sports.
The film centers on the remarkable true story of former New York Giants running back John Tuggle, best known for being the final pick of the 1983 NFL draft, earning the nickname “Mr. Irrelevant.”
Joining Shannon is Superman star David Corenswet, who will portray Tuggle, and 1883’s Isabel May. The project is being helmed by director Jonathan Levine (Warm Bodies, 50/50) with a screenplay by Emmy-nominated writer Nick Santora (Reacher, Prison Break).
Skydance Sports is shaping the film to tell a heartfelt and inspiring account of Tuggle’s brief but powerful NFL career and the lasting impact he had on his team. As head coach of the Giants at the time, Parcells was instrumental in giving Tuggle a shot. Shannon’s portrayal will explore the dynamic between the gruff, no-nonsense coach and the determined underdog running back he championed.
Tuggle’s story stands in stark contrast to today’s most famous “Mr. Irrelevant,” Brock Purdy, who recently led the 49ers to a Super Bowl appearance. But Tuggle’s legacy predates Purdy's rise and strikes a deeper emotional chord.
The original “Mr. Irrelevant” title was coined in 1976 by USC receiver Paul Salata, who founded Irrelevant Week as a tongue-in-cheek celebration of the draft’s final pick. While most of those players fade into obscurity, a few like Tuggle end up redefining the label in unforgettable ways.
Shannon, who recently earned acclaim for his performance as George Jones in Showtime’s George & Tammy, is on a roll when it comes to portraying real-life figures.
He’s also set to appear as President James Garfield in Netflix’s upcoming limited series Death By Lightning. Now, with Parcells, he’ll tackle a very different kind of American legend.
No release date has been set yet, but with Shannon leading the charge and a powerhouse creative team behind it, this one’s already looking like a play worth watching.
Source: Deadline