It has been nearly nine years since Marshall Mathers, aka Eminem, has starred in a film, but it appears that the acting bug has bitten him pretty hard recently. In December, Gordon And The Whale reported that Eminem was set to star in a boxing film, titled SOUTHPAW. According to Rolling Stone, one is not enough, and Eminem is also set to star in a second film, RANDOM ACTS OF VIOLENCE.

Eminem has not starred in a film since Curtis Hanson's 8 MILE in 2002, where he basically played himself. He did make a cameo in 2009's FUNNY PEOPLE, where he literally played himself, but it was a scene under five minutes. Now he is stepping out into a role that does not appear to have much resemblance to his own life story, sans a bit of street sensibilities.

The project has been in development at Fox for more than four years, and the script has reportedly gone through multiple drafts. The current version centers on an ex-con just released from prison who is trying to stay on the right side of the law despite pressure from his former comrades. At the same time, the FBI is trying to recruit him to bring down the syndicate.

Does that synopsis scream AMERICAN HISTORY X to anyone else?

David Von Acken (Californication) is in line to direct the picture, which is said to be produced by Shady Films' Paul Rosenberg and Stuart Parr. The two produced 8 MILE and the 50 Cent film, GET RICH OR DIE TRYIN.

Apparently, Eminem is taking a cue from his hip hop forefathers, many of whom have gone onto successful acting careers (e.g.: Ludacris, Ice Cube, Dr. Dre. P-Diddy, and Ice-T. I'm not sure Mark Wahlberg and Will Smith, one of Eminem’s many targets, could be considered the same vein). He was more than adequate playing a part to familiar to him in 8 MILE, but we will get to check out his true acting chops when he plays someone who is not the real Slim Shady.

Source The Hollywood Reporter