Oscar-nominated actor Michael Shannon is set to play iconic coach Bill Parcells in the Skydance Sports untitled football drama about former player John Tuggle, who was given the title “Mr. Irrelevant” after being the last pick of the last round of the 1983 NFL Draft. Superman star David Corenswet will play Tuggle with Isabel May also on board.
Jonathan Levine is directing, with Emmy-nominated writer Nick Santora is penning the script.
The film will be produced by Skydance Sports, with Levine producing with Gillian Bohrer from Megamix along with Santora from his Blackjack Films banner. It will tell the inspiring and heartfelt true story of Tuggle, drafted by the New York Giants, and his enduring impact on his team and teammates. Parcells was the Hall of Fame coach of the Giants at this time. He’s considered one of the greatest coaches of his era, winning two Super Bowls with the Giants, but also played a large part in the team taking a chance on Tuggle.
“Mr. Irrelevant” started in 1976 with the drafting of USC receiver Paul Salata, launching a series of events that have come to be known as Irrelevant Week. A handful of players in that draft position have gone on to success, but Brock Purdy has given the moniker a face-lift since he took over starting duties for the San Francisco 49ers, leading them to the Super Bowl after the 2023 season.
While Tuggle’s story is much different then Purdy’s, it touches on the notes that make for an ideal movie to add to Skydance Sports’ slate.
Shannon is no stranger to playing real-life legends, having recently portrayed country singer George Jones in the Showtime limited series George & Tammy. The series also starred Jessica Chastain and earned both Emmy nominations for their performances. He is also set to play President James Garfield in the Netflix limited series Death by Lightning.
He is repped by CAA and Range Media Partners.
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