Controversial rapper Eminem is gearing up for another fight, but this one will be on the big screen.
DreamWorks has picked up a boxing pitch titled "Southpaw" that will be developed as a star vehicle for the man known as Slim Shady, the studio has confirmed to TheWrap.
"Sons of Anarchy" creator Kurt Sutter will write the script, which will find Eminem playing a welterweight boxer who fights his way to the title, only to see his world collapse after tragedy strikes. The film will follow Eminem as he fights to reclaim his past glory and win back the affection of his young daughter.
The title refers to the fact that Eminem is a lefty (a dangerous thing in a boxing ring) and the project will be fueled by the hardships that inform Eminem's music and mirror his life.
Eminem has been offered several movies since his big screen debut in Curtis Hanson's 2002 drama "8 Mile," but he's very selective about material and has been hesitant to commit to a follow-up to his breakout performance.
Sutter describes "Southpaw" as a continuation of the "8 Mile" story, but cautions that the film will be more of a metaphorical narrative of the second chapter of his life, rather than a literal biography. He'll begin writing the project immediately and plans to complete a draft by February, when he begins to plot out the fourth season of "Sons of Anarchy" with the show's writing staff.
Eminem's managers Stuart Parr and Paul Rosenberg will produce with Alan and Peter Riche, while the musician's movie manager David Schiff will exec produce.
DreamWorks CEO Stacey Snider had first crack at the "Southpaw" pitch having championed "8 Mile" while she was the head of Universal Pictures. Snider will steer the project with DreamWorks co-president Mark Sourian.
Eminem's recent comeback album, "Recovery," just received 10 Grammy nominations.
Eminem and Sutter are represented by ICM and their collaboration on "Southpaw" was first reported by Deadline.