Exciting casting news has emerged for Vince Vaughn’s upcoming gangster thriller, “The Bookie & the Bruiser,” as Theo James is set to join Vaughn in this gripping tale of life on the edge in 1950s New York City. This collaboration marks a reunion between Vaughn and director S. Craig Zahler, who previously teamed up for the intense films “Brawl in Cell Block 99” and “Dragged Across Concrete.”
“The Bookie & the Bruiser,” written and directed by Zahler, centers on two transformed veterans: Rivner, played by James, is a thoughtful Jewish man, while Vaughn portrays Boscolo, a hefty Italian American. Both characters return from World War II dramatically changed, struggling to reintegrate into their previous lives. Disillusioned with societal norms, they forge an alliance as a bookmaker and his enforcer, diving into a lucrative yet perilous underground gambling business. Their success soon entangles them in a violent power struggle between the Mafia and an Irish gang, leading to a fight for their very survival.
Theo James, known for his role as Four in the “Divergent” series, recently gained acclaim for his performance in Osgood Perkins’s adaptation of “The Monkey,” based on Stephen King’s work, which received a strong response from audiences, grossing $68.7 million globally. He has also completed filming on “Fuze,” an action thriller that deals with the chaos surrounding an unexploded WWII bomb found in London.
Vince Vaughn’s diverse career continues as he recently produced “Broke,” featuring Wyatt Russell and Dennis Quaid, which delves into the story of a rodeo rider forced to confront his life’s choices during a harrowing blizzard.
This film promises to blend thrilling elements with powerful performances, and audiences can look forward to seeing how the tension unfolds within the gritty backdrop of New York’s criminal underworld. It seems that the collaboration between Vaughn and Zahler will bring another intense and thought-provoking experience to the big screen.