IMR International has set Bruce Willis to star as Constantine ‘Cus’ D’Amato in the upcoming indie drama Cornerman, which marks the directorial debut of actor Rupert Friend.
Set in New York during the 1980s, the film sees D’Amato – former trainer of Floyd Patterson – working in relative obscurity until he discovers a 13-year-old Mike Tyson, who possesses incredible raw talent, as well as a knack for getting into trouble.
D’Amato would go on to work with Tyson, and even adopted the future world heavyweight champion following the death of his mother. However, he would pass away in 1985, a little over a year before Tyson captured the WBC title, becoming the youngest heavyweight champion in history.
SEE ALSO: Mike Tyson confirms that Jamie Foxx is still attached to biopic
In addition to directing, Friend has also penned the script for Cornerman, which will begin filming later this year. A search is currently underway for an actor to play the young Tyson.
