Featuring a laundry list of 2nd tier and character actors, RAGING BULL 2, is currently filming in Los Angeles. The prequel/sequel mash-up is written and directed by Martin Guigui (CATTLE CALL, BENEATH THE DARKNESS) and stars William Forsythe (THE ROCK) as Jake LaMotta, as famously portrayed by Robert DeNiro in director Martin Scorsese’s renowned RAGING BULL.
The rest of the cast includes James Russo, Joe Mantegna, Natasha Henstridge, Penelope Ann Miller, Alicia Witt, Paul Sorvino, Robert Davi, Tom Sizemore, Bill Bellamy, and Ray Wise.
The story is described as “both a prequel as well as a sequel to satisfy those fans who wonder about Jake LaMotta’s past and where he is now.”
I’m sure that director Martin Guigui has his heart in the right place for this, but the fact that this is happening without DeNiro or Scorsese is tough to swallow, especially after such an iconic performance from both. It’s like ROBOCOP without Peter Weller (yeah, we saw how that turned out) or THE MASK without Jim Carrey.
In an interview with the Calgary Herald, the director and star talked about their involvement in the project:
“My first reaction when I was offered it was ‘No, this is sacred ground,’ ” said Guigui. “Then I read the book, Raging Bull II, and then I met Jake. When I met Jake that sealed the deal.”
Forsythe addressed the “hate press” that hit with the news of RAGING BULL 2, saying, “I understand that because it’s such an iconic, beautiful and amazing first film — one of the great films maybe of all time. But our story has a lot more heart and I think it’s a beautiful depiction of who Jake really is. It’s the full spectrum. If you hang out for 10 minutes with Jake you’ll find out two things: He has a heart as big as this room and he has a great sense of humour.”
LaMotta gave his blessing to the sequel, saying, ““Who else has that done? Of course I’m excited. Two movies, one after the other, could you believe a thing like that? I’d never have believed it in a million years. But they think it’s interesting enough to do it. They must know something.”
I’m not so sure about that, Jake. But, we’ll see.
RAGING BULL 2 is currently filming and will set to be released on DVD in theaters sometime in 2013.