S. Craig Zahler‘s first film since 2018’s “Dragged Across Concrete” is still on the way, but with a new co-lead.
Variety reports that Theo James will replace Adrien Brody alongside Vince Vaughn in “The Bookie & The Bruiser,” the “Bone Tomahawk‘ director’s upcoming gangster period piece. Chalk up Brody’s recent Oscar Best Actor win for “The Brutalist” as the reason for his exit, although he doesn’t have anything in the pipeline right now beyond next year’s “Emperor.” Still, James is a fine replacement, and has some buzz around him thanks to recent turns in Oz Perkins‘ “The Monkey,” “The White Lotus” S2, and Netflix‘s “The Gentlemen.”
But what’s “The Bookie & The Bruiser” about? Set in 1959 NYC, the film follows two WWII vets who return home changed him, unable to fit into their former lives. So instead, they shirk polite society and become a bookmaker and enforcer, running a lucrative albeit illicit and dangerous gambling enterprise that finds them facing off against the Mafia and and Irish gang. It sounds like Zahler will operate right in his sweet spot on this one: he pens the script along with directing.
“The Bookie & The Bruiser” will be at the Cannes Market this month, with UTA Independent Film Group and Range Select representing its NA distribution rights. Anthony Katagas produces the film via his Keep Your Head Productions banner with Dave Caplan. C2 Motion Picture Group finances the feature.
James add Zahler’s latest to a massive list of upcoming projects, including action-thriller “Fuze,” Kim Jee-woon‘s “The Hole,” and “Rosemead” with Lucy Liu. He’ll also shoot Season 2 of “The Gentlemen” later this year, which should premiere on Netflix sometime next year.
As for Vaughn, his 2025 work includes “Nonnas,” which premieres on Netflix today; “Broke,” which hit VOD three days ago; and the live-action animated hybrid “Animal Friends,” which hits theaters on October 10. Further ahead, 20th Century Studios‘ comedy “Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice,” hits theaters sometime in 2026.
Stay tuned for more news on “The Bookie & The Buiser” out of the Cannes Market later this month.
