Michael Shannon is taking on a new kind of iconic role, having signed on to play legendary NFL coach Bill Parcells in an upcoming football drama from Skydance Sports.
The film focuses on the extraordinary true story of former New York Giants running back John Tuggle, known for being the last pick of the 1983 NFL Draft, who earned the nickname "Mr. Irrelevant."
Joining Shannon is Superman star David Corenswet, who will play Tuggle, and 1883's Isabel May. The project is directed by Jonathan Levine (Warm Bodies, 50/50) with a screenplay by writer Nick Santora (Reacher, Prison Break).
Skydance Sports is shaping the film to tell a heartfelt and inspiring story of the short but powerful arc of Tuggle's NFL career and the lasting impact he had on his team. As head coach of the Giants at the time, Parcells was instrumental in giving Tuggle a shot. Shannon's portrayal will explore the dynamic between the gruff, no-nonsense coach and the unlikely running back he championed.
Tuggle's story stands in clear contrast to the most famous "Mr. Irrelevant" of today, Brock Purdy, who recently led the 49ers to a Super Bowl appearance. But Tuggle's legacy predates Purdy's rise and strikes a deeper emotional chord.
The "Mr. Irrelevant" title was coined in 1976 by USC receiver Paul Salata, who founded Irrelevant Week as a tongue-in-cheek celebration of the final pick of the draft. While most of those players fade into obscurity, some like Tuggle end up redefining the label in unforgettable ways.
Shannon, who recently earned praise for his portrayal of George Jones in Showtime's George & Tammy, is on a roll when it comes to playing real-life figures.
He is also set to appear as President James Garfield in the upcoming Netflix limited series Lightning Death. Now, with Parcells, he will take on a very different kind of American legend.
No release date has yet been set, but with Shannon leading the charge and a powerful creative team behind it, this already looks like a film worth watching.
By Joey Gour
Source: Geek Tyrant
