Theo James Joins Vince Vaughn in 1950s Gangster Drama The Bookie & the Bruiser

Theo James replaces Adrien Brody in S. Craig Zahler’s gritty thriller set in post-WWII New York, as the film heads to the Cannes market for international sales

Los Angeles [US], May 9: Actor Theo James has officially joined the cast of the upcoming gangster thriller The Bookie & the Bruiser, taking on a lead role opposite Vince Vaughn in this high-stakes period drama. James steps in for Adrien Brody, who was previously attached to the project.

The film, directed and written by S. Craig Zahler (Bone Tomahawk), is set in 1959 New York City and follows the story of two WWII veterans navigating the gritty criminal underworld. James plays Rivner, a thoughtful Jewish war veteran, while Vaughn portrays Boscolo, a physically imposing Italian-American bruiser. Disillusioned with their post-war lives, the two team up to run a high-risk, high-reward bookmaking operation.

Their success, however, draws the attention of rival gangs, leading them into a brutal turf war between the Mafia and an Irish mob, pushing them to the edge in a battle for survival.

International rights for the film are being handled by Anton, with continued sales planned at the upcoming Marché du Film in Cannes. Financing was arranged through UTA Independent Film Group and Range Select, who are also overseeing North American distribution rights.

First announced by Variety last year, the film promises Zahler’s signature blend of slow-burn tension and explosive violence, set against the backdrop of a morally complex post-war era.