Sam Rockwell plans movie about boxing legend Marvin Hagler based on Brockton writer's book
BROCKTON — A movie about Marvelous Marvin Hagler will be based on a forthcoming book by Brockton's Dave Wedge.
The Hollywood Reporter, in a Tuesday scoop, said actor Sam Rockwell's production company bought the film rights to Dave Wedge's "Blood & Hate: The Untold Story of Marvelous Marvin Hagler's Battle for Glory." The book is scheduled to come out in 2025.
Wedge, a Brockton native, is no stranger to having his work turned into movies. "Boston Strong," a book about the Marathon Bombing that he co-authored, made the silver screen in the Mark Wahlberg thriller "Patriots Day."
Rockwell might play one of the Petronelli brothers, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
"I remember watching Marvin Hagler’s fights in the ’80s and was always astonished by his talent and grit," Rockwell said in a statement quoted by The Reporter. "He was an extraordinary southpaw. Now to be able to tell his underdog story, especially as a lifelong boxing fan, is a dream come true."
Hagler statue unveiling is Thursday
It's a big week for fans of boxing and Brockton. On Thursday, the city plans to unveil a life-size statue of Hagler in a small park next to the gym where he trained with the Petronellis.
Who was Hagler? Brocktonians share stories of boxing legend who left lasting mark on city
Was Marvin Hagler born in Brockton?
Hagler wasn't born in Brockton, but his family moved here from Newark, N.J. He became the middleweight champion of the world and finished his career with a record of 62 wins, 3 losses and 2 ties. He knocked out his opponents 52 times.
After retiring from boxing, Hagler became an actor. He appeared in action movies like Indio and Indio 2. He also had a role in the sitcom Punky Brewster, among other acting credits. Hagler died in 2021 at his New Hampshire home.
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This article originally appeared on The Enterprise: Hollywood movie about Marvin Hagler will be based on Brockton book