American History XdirectorTony Kaye’s upcoming filmThe Trainerofficially enters production tomorrow after a winding development path that star and creatorVito Schnabelconsidered “incredible.” Ahead of the first day of production,Deadlinereports thatStephen Dorff,John McEnroe,Gina Gershon, andLuke Sabbatare all on board to star alongside Schnabel in his original dark comedy. They’ll join fellow co-starsJulia Fox,Stephen Van Zandt, andTaylour Paigein the near-decade in the making production, but there’s currently no information on what roles the new additions will play.
The Traineris based on a script from Schnabel andJeff Solomonwhich centers on Jack (Schnabel), a down-on-his-luck personal trainer forced to move back in with his mother in Los Angeles. The film takes place over a chaotic eight-day span in which Jack tries his luck at finding fame and fortune and living his version of the American dream, albeit in a very maniacal,Pain & Gain-like manner. So far, details of the film are being kept under wraps, but we do know Schnabel and Kaye are joined byJeremy Steckleron the production end withGeorge Paaswellon board as an executive producer.
Dorff’s most prominent recent appearance was inOld Henry, a 2021 western fromPotsy Ponciroliled by the likes ofTim Blake NelsonandTrace Adkins. He’s also known for his roles in the classic filmsBlade,Zoolander, andI’ll Find You, as well as the recent seriesDetective.The Trainerjoins a long line of upcoming productions for the veteran actor which includes theBruce WillisandJohn TravoltaflickParadise City.
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McEnroe brings perhaps the most varied career of the four to the cast as a former tennis superstar with a legendary temper turned actor. He’s mostly known for appearing as himself in a number ofAdam Sandlerfilms, includingJack and JillandYou Don’t Mess With the Zohan, though his recent work includes narrating the Netflix seriesNever Have I Ever. He also has credits for appearances in30 Rockand had a role in 2018’sOcean’s Eight.
Gershon, meanwhile, is a prolific character actress seen throughout massive films likeFace/Offand recent series likeRiverdaleandNew Amsterdam. Her most recent appearance was for the Sundance filmEmily the Criminalwith leadAubrey Plazaplaying a woman wrapped up in a credit card scam that goes way too far. Gershon’s also set to appear in the massive video game filmBorderlandslater this year as the sadistic and sultry Mad Moxxi.
Rounding out the new additions is Sabbat who is best known for starring in Freeform’s hit dramedyGrown-ishas Luca Hall. Compared to his colleagues, he’s the newest name on the scene with only a few credits inThe Dead Don’t DieandLena Dunham’sSharp Stickto his name, but he’s already earned recognition with a pair of Teen Choice nominations thanks to his performance as Hall.
The Traineris still a ways off with an expected release in 2023, but the cast already looks promising as Kaye and Schnabel pull the project from development hell.
