Walt Disney Pictures is negotiating with Mark Wahlberg to star in a film based on the underdog story of Vince Papale, a Philadelphia Eagles fan who answered an open tryout and emerged with a spot on the team reports Variety. Previously titled "Invincible", the project will be directed this summer by Ericson Core based on a script by Brad Gann and Mike Rich.
Papale was a 30-year old bartender who'd lost his teaching job and his wife, when incoming Eagles head coach Dick Vermeil decided to shake up his lethargic team by inviting fans to compete for a roster spot. Papale, a lifelong fan who'd never played high school football, joined a swarm of fans at the tryout. He was the only one invited to camp.
Wahlberg is finishing up the John Singleton-directed "Four Brothers," and then will join Leonardo DiCaprio in the Martin Scorsese-directed "The Departed." Disney hopes to start filming their gridiron film this Summer.
Thanks to 'Gruff'
