Mickey Rourke training hard for Thomas biopic
Mickey Rourke Hollywood actor Mickey Rourke is prepared to go to great lengths for one of his future film projects.
The Sin City star is considering eye surgery for his role as Gareth Thomas in a biopic of the rugby player who revealed he was gay towards the end of his career.
And with Rourke 22 years older than the retired Welsh international, he is prepared to do what it takes to fulfil the role.
Producer Colin Vaines told the Daily Mail: "When Mickey's committed, as he is with this, he can do anything. The age isn't a problem.
"I'm thinking of Martin Scorsese's Raging Bull meeting Lindsay Anderson's This Sporting Life, where sport was used as a backdrop to explore an inner torment."
Fitness and stunt co-ordinator Nick McKinless has been hired to ensure Rourke is up to speed on the pitch when playing Thomas in the film.
Rourke said: "It's a film about a man who played rugby, who was so aggressive when he played - and he happened to be gay. It took a lot of courage to be in his world and do that.
Thomas is currently starring in Celebrity Big Brother, which comes to an end on Friday.
