As a rugby player (fullback to be exact), a man who respects the Welsh squad, and a film fan, the following piece of news both excites and perplexes me. It seems as if Mickey Rourke is extremely passionate about making a film based on the life of Welsh back Gareth Thomas, the first openly gay professional athlete, making him the first openly gay rugby player in the process. Thomas is ninth in the world on the all time try scoring list which makes him a beastly tour-de-force on the pitch and someone to seriously respect. The guy is also missing his two front teeth. Now ask yourself, how will Mickey Rourke play this Welsh rugby legend? Hit more to find out.
Apparently, Rourke is willing to go to great lengths to make this film come to fruition and will go even further to play the lead role as Thomas himself. Thomas’ agent, Emanuele Palladino had this to say about the situation:
“Mickey wants to film everything in Wales, although it is early days. He really wants to throw himself into Welsh and rugby and really learn as quickly as he can. He’ll learn Welsh I think, obviously where it is relevant as well. He is going to get rid of his two front teeth and stuff – he will be taking them out. Mickey intends to get as close to the character as he can, as he thinks it is a great story.”
Personally, I think Mickey Rourke is a great actor but I don’t think this is a fit for him. If he played a coach or fatherly figure I would completely understand but the guy is 22 years older than Thomas and looks out of shape. I know he will put in the effort but if a movie featuring rugby is going to be made, I want it to have proper rugby which will end up limiting Rourke’s ability to actually make it as realistic as possible since he will need a stuntman. Cinematical, the source of the article, has a valid point in suggesting Tom Hardy for the role. Not only is he from the UK but he also has the build and acting chops to make it all work. I second that suggestion.
I know Rourke can put himself through some serious training but rugby is in another league from anything he has ever done or participated in before. The story is amazing and can be an Oscar contender if done right. I mean come on, look at Invictus.
What do you all think? Can Rourke pull it off or is his age going to prevent this film from reaching its full potential if he takes on the lead role? Let us know in the comments section below.
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