Theo James Replaces Adrien Brody in S. Craig Zahler’s ‘The Bookie and the Bruiser’

A few weeks ago, I was told that production on S. Craig Zahler’s “The Bookie and the Bruiser” had hit a snag and been pushed back, most likely due to recent Oscar winner Adrien Brody’s busy schedule.

Well, now Brody’s been officially replaced by Theo James (“The Monkey”), and maybe we can get an earlier production date because of that. That’s the hope. I’m checking with my sources to get more details.

James has built a diverse acting career across film and television. He gained recognition as Four in the “Divergent” film series and earned praise for his performance in the HBO drama “The White Lotus” (Season 2). His other work includes roles in the sci-fi series “The Time Traveler’s Wife,” and he led Guy Ritchie’s Netflix series “The Gentlemen.”

My best guess is that Brody dropped out because he has to shoot Damien Chazelle’s “Evel Knievel on Tour,” although I haven’t heard much of an update when it comes to that project either — is it still happening? Last I checked, they were all waiting waiting for Leonardo DiCaprio to close out his deal.

Regardless, “The Bookie and the Bruiser” is slated to reunite Zahler with Vince Vaughn, who has appeared as the lead in the filmmaker’s last two films.

Set in 1959 New York, The Bookie & The Bruiser follows Rivner, a thoughtful Jewish man, and Boscolo, a hulking Italian-American from the Lower East Side. Both WWII veterans return home changed and team up as a bookmaker and enforcer, launching a lucrative but dangerous gambling racket. Trouble brews when they’re caught between a powerful Irish gang and the Mafia.

Zahler’s three directorial efforts—“Bone Tomahawk,” “Brawl in Cell Block 99,” and especially “Dragged Across Concrete”—speak for themselves. These are distinct works from a singular voice. A methodical filmmaker, Zahler explores the madness of morally conflicted men, with sharp dialogue and brutally drawn-out action. I can’t wait for this next one.