Jamie Foxx Confirms Starring Role in Upcoming Mike Tyson Biopic
Showing off his bulked-up physique.
Originally announced back in 2014, Jamie Foxx has now officially confirmed he will be playing Mike Tyson in an upcoming biopic. Despite being announced six years back, the Oscar award-winning actor has brought the film back to the surface after news about the project has been scarce over the years.
Speaking to producer Mark Birnbaum during an Instagram Live interview, Foxx noted that he has been bulking up for his role in chronicling the life of the former American heavyweight boxer. Giving an emphatic “yes” when asked if the film is going ahead, the actor also discussed his grueling exercise regime and shared an image of his new physique.
“Doing biographies is a tough thing. Sometimes it takes 20 years to get it done but we officially got the real ball rolling,” he said. “I can’t wait to show people what it is.” To prepare for the role, Foxx must complete a vigorous workout comprised of 60 pull-ups, 60 dips, and 100 push-ups every other day to push his weight to 216 pounds and increase to 230 pounds at filming.
Foxx also noted his first time meeting Tyson after performing standup comedy when he was 22. During his set, he told a joke about the boxer in the audience and was approached by the champion after the show. “I saw him at the height of his career, and then when things got bad and bumpy I also saw him as well. So what I’m excited about the movie is to show those moments,” he said when discussing the focus of the film. “I think everyone, young and old, will be able to understand this man’s journey.”
Adding the use of special effects on the project to maintain an accurate look, “The technology of how I’m going to look, I guarantee you people will run up on me in the street and ask for autographs and think that I’m Mike.”
At one point standing as the undisputed world champion at the height of his career, the formidable fighter was jailed after being convicted of rape in 1992, filed for bankruptcy in 2003, and pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine and driving under the influence in 2007 before getting his life back on track and becoming a prominent celebrity figure today.
Stay tuned for more details regarding the Mike Tyson biopic and check out Jamie Foxx’s new physique in the Instagram Live interview below.
