Renee Zellweger Looks to Make Broadway Debut in ‘The Hustler’

It looks like Renee Zellwegger may finally be ready to make her Broadway debut.

An article on Deadline.com reported that the film actress will “star in the upcoming Broadway adaptation of ‘The Hustler,’ written by [Anthony] Tambakis and to be directed by ‘Warrior’s’ Gavin O’Connor.”

“The Hustler” is based on the 1961 film of the same name starring Paul Newman, Jackie Gleason, Piper Laurie and George C. Scott. The film was nominated for nine Academy Awards, and won for Best Art Direction-Set Direction, Black and White, and Best Cinematography, Black and White.

The film tells the story of “Fast Eddie” Felson, played by Newman, who is a small-time pool hustler and his desire to beat the best pool player in the country, Minnesota Flats (Gleason). The film was directed by Robert Rossen, and based on the 1959 novel by Sidney Carroll.

No official word has yet been released concerning “The Hustler” coming to Broadway, nor Zellwegger’s involvement in the play. The Deadline.com article that announced the news was primarily focused on the news that Zellwegger will star in the new comedy “4 ½ Minutes” along with Johnny Knoxville.

In the film, Knoxville plays a New York City stand up comedian in the upcoming movie who later takes a job taking care of Zellweger’s genius son. The script of the movie is also written by Tambakis.

Additionally Zellweger and Tambakis are working together on the television drams, “Cinnamon Girl.” The two co-created the series that is set in the 1970s, and the Lifetime Network has reportedly picked up the pilot.

Zellweger first came to national prominence with her performance in “Jerry Maguire” in 1996 alongside Tom Cruise. She was later nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress for her portrayal of the title character in “Bridget Jones’s Diary.” She also appeared in the 2002 film version of the musical “Chicago.”