‘The Bookie and the Bruiser’: Theo James Joins Vince Vaughn in S. Craig Zahler’s Gangster Flick!!

Theo James‘s stock continues to rise as the Buckinghamshire-born British actor adds another project to his string of upcoming roles, officially taking over from Adrien Brody in The Bookie and the Bruiser, a new period crime thriller from Bone Tomahawk director S. Craig Zahler. The ever-busy James will step in to take over from the departing Brody, who leaves the project just two months on from his second Best Actor Academy Award win for his portrayal of Holocaust survivor László Tóth in Brady Corbet‘s The Brutalist.

The upcoming movie will see James star alongside Vince Vaughn in Zahler‘s fourth feature, with his previous two, 2018’s Dragged Across Concrete and 2017’s Brawl in Cell Block 99, also starring Vaughn. The movie is set in 1959 New York City and features the thoughtful Jewish Rivner (James) and Vaughn‘s rough and tough Italian American, Boscolo. After serving in the Second World War, the pair return changed and needing an adaptation to their pre-war lives. Seeking to avoid the striking hand of the law, the pair start a bookmaker business and run illegal gambling operations that, although increasing their wealth, also widen the targets on their backs. This all spirals into chaos, with the Mafia and an Irish gang becoming embroiled in their bid for bloody survival.

Set to be produced by Anthony Katagas (Uncut Gems) via his Keep Your Head Productions and by Dave Caplan (The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare), The Bookie and the Bruiser will continue sales at the Marche du Film, with UTA Independent Film Group and Range Select representing the North American distribution rights. As more updates for The Bookie and the Bruiser arrive, make sure to stay tuned to Collider.

‘The Gentlemen’ Season 2 Has Only Just Begun Production

Whilst fans rejoice at the prospect of James gearing up for another gangster flick, anticipation continues to build for the second season of Netflix and Guy Ritchie‘s series, The Gentlemen, one of James‘ most famous lead roles to date. A huge success for Netflix, the typically Ritchie blend of chaotic comedy and violent action earned itself a second season renewal, with the promise of more stylish, foul-mouthed carnage too enticing to turn down. Alas, although excitement is high for the show’s return, it was revealed in late April that The Gentlemen season 2 had only just begun filming in the UK, suggesting that a release will likely be, at best, in mid-2026. As fans wait patiently for the return of Eddie Horniman and Susie Glass, the prospect of more James action in an upcoming Zahler-directed thriller will more than help pass the time.