It was over a decade ago that we first got word a sequel to Martin Scorsese‘s classic Raging Bull was being put into development. Titled Raging Bull II: Continuing the Story of Jake LaMotta, based on the book, production began back in 2012 with William Forsythe in the title role. It turns out that MGM wasn’t too happy with the project and now one lawsuit and over four years later, the film has remerged as The Bronx Bull and it’s getting a release in just a few weeks.
Directed by Martin Guigui, the first official trailer has now landed which, when compared to the Robert De Niro film, looks to strip out much of the personality, and deliver a more punch-by-punch boxing story. However, when looking at the marketplace for (nearly) straight-to-VOD releases, this is the audience that has demanded Jarhead 3, so perhaps there’s room for this unofficial sequel after all.
Also starring Paul Sorvino, Penelope Ann Miller, Tom Sizemore, Cloris Leachman, Mike Starr, Robert Davi, Harry Hamlin, James Russo, Joe Mantegna, and Natasha Henstridge, check out the trailer below.
Based on the tumultuous real-life experiences of legendary boxing champion Jake LaMotta, THE BRONX BULL chronicles his rise as a world-class boxer and his struggles with life outside of the ring, offering an unflinchingly honest look into the heart of a champion.
The Bronx Bull hits theaters and VOD on January 6th, 2017.