Russell, Wahlberg & Bale Confirmed for “The Fighter”

As with most indie film projects, starts and stops in production lead to many rumors and hearsay. But as of this writing, we can fully confirm that the anticipated Lowell-connected film project, The Fighter, is now on the fast track to pre-production. Details on cast and director have switched up — here’s what we know so far:

Director — David O. Russell (I Heart Huckabees, Three Kings)
Micky Ward — Mark Wahlberg
Dicky Eckland (Ward’s half brother) — Christian Bale

It seems Darren Aronofsky (The Fountain) has backed out of the project, but hey, Russell’s film credits are impressive and his presence behind the camera is as much a plus as anyone’s.

Are there Wahlberg and Bale sightings in DTL’s future? Time will tell, and it is of course in the hands of the location scouts, who as of today, are feverishly looking for locations for key shots. The Fighter will most likely be shot in Boston proper, but with any luck, scouts will keep in mind Ward’s Lowell roots and throw the Mill City a Hollywood bone. 

Click here for Entertainment Weekly’s tidbits on the project, and more on Boston.com.