Jake Gyllenhaal & Antoine Fuqua’s ‘Southpaw’ Gets Going, Jude Law Set For Melissa McCarthy’s ‘Susan Cooper’

Okay, the McConnaisance is now complete with the Matthew McConaughey taking the Best Actor award at the Oscars over the weekend. So how about the Gyllen-sance instead? The actor has quietly been putting a together a string of solid work with interesting directors including “Source Code” for Duncan Jones; “End Of Watch” with David Ayer; two films with Denis Villeneuve, “Prisoners” and “Enemy“; and he’s currently in production on “Everest” with Baltasar Kormakur and recently wrapped “Nightcrawler” with Dan Gilroy (brother of Tony) What’s next?

Deadline confirms that “Southpaw,” set to be directed by Antoine Fuqua, and star Jake Gyllenhaal—both signed up last year—will roll in front of cameras this summer, with The Weinstein Company paying the bills. Penned by Kurt Sutter of “Sons of Anarchy” fame, the story chronicles the rise of a lefty welterweight all the way to a championship title as he battles various tragedies in his personal life, and wins back the love of his daughter. The hunt is on for the co-lead role of Titus ‘Tick’ Willis, a former boxer who retired after losing an eye, and following the death of his son. And just imagine, Eminem was once attached to this!

Meanwhile, Melissa McCarthy‘s next comedy vehicle “Susan Cooper” is boosting up the cast, with Variety revealing the project is adding Jude Law, who will co-star with uh, Jason Statham. Bet you thought you’d never read that. Inspired by “Casino Royale,” this potential franchise starter is a “realistic” spy movie with overtones of James Bond, except the twist is that it’s driven by a woman. Paul Feig directs.