June 4, 2014 / 8:25 PM / Updated June 4, 2014 at 8:31 PM

Will Smith to star in film about concussions in NFL

Will Smith on board for Ridley Scott-produced drama about NFL concussions.

Will Smith arrives on the red carpet at the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards at Barclays Center in New York City on August 25, 2013. This is the first time the awards show has been held in Brooklyn and Barclays Center which opened last September. UPI/Dennis Van Tine

Will Smith arrives on the red carpet at the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards at Barclays Center in New York City on August 25, 2013. This is the first time the awards show has been held in Brooklyn and Barclays Center which opened last September. UPI/Dennis Van Tine | License Photo

LOS ANGELES, June 4 (UPI) -- Will Smith has signed up to star in a movie produced by Ridley Scott about concussions in the NFL.

The film, the name of which hasn't been released, is based on a GQ article, Game Brain, written by Jeanne Marie Laskas.

Smith will play Dr. Bennet Omalu, a forensic neuropathologist who made the first discovery of chronic traumatic encephalopathy in professional football players, Variety reported.

Peter Landesman has been tapped to write and direct, and Scott, Giannina Facio and Michael Schaefer will produce for Scott Free. David Wolthoff and Larry Shuman are producing for the Shuman Company.

Read More

Fantastic Four celebrate Sue Storm's pregnancy in 'First Steps' clip

Movies // 12 hours ago

Fantastic Four celebrate Sue Storm's pregnancy in 'First Steps' clip

July 7 (UPI) -- Vanessa Kirby announces her character Sue Storm's pregnancy in a new clip from the Marvel film "Fantastic Four: First Steps," which arrives in theaters July 25.

'Zombies 4' reminded Milo Manheim, Meg Donnelly to be present

Movies // 17 hours ago

'Zombies 4' reminded Milo Manheim, Meg Donnelly to be present

LOS ANGELES, July 7 (UPI) -- Milo Manheim and Meg Donnelly spoke with UPI about lessons learned from "Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires," on Disney Channel Thursday, and passing the franchise on to the next generation.

'Jurassic World: Rebirth' tops North American box office with $91.5M

Movies // 1 day ago

'Jurassic World: Rebirth' tops North American box office with $91.5M

July 6 (UPI) -- "Jurassic World: Rebirth" is the No. 1 movie in North America, earning $91.5 million in receipts this weekend, BoxOfficeMojo.com announced Sunday.

Virginia Madsen leads tributes to late brother, actor Michael Madsen

Movies // 3 days ago

Virginia Madsen leads tributes to late brother, actor Michael Madsen

July 4 (UPI) -- "Sideways" icon Virginia Madsen is leading the tributes to her brother, "Reservoir Dogs" and "The Hateful Eight" actor Michael Madsen, who died Thursday at the age of 67.

Michael B. Jordan: 5 roles beyond 'Sinners'

Movies // 4 days ago

Michael B. Jordan: 5 roles beyond 'Sinners'

July 3 (UPI) -- Michael B. Jordan stars in "Sinners," a supernatural horror film and his fourth collaboration with director Ryan Coogler. He is also well known for his roles in hits like "Creed" and "Black Panther."

Rihanna, Nick Offerman record for 'Smurfs' in 'behind the voices' clip

Movies // 4 days ago

Rihanna, Nick Offerman record for 'Smurfs' in 'behind the voices' clip

July 3 (UPI) -- Rihanna and Nick Offerman praised the "Smurfs" voice cast in a "Behind the Voices" clip released Wednesday.

Movie review: 'Spinal Tap' re-release proves deeper than catchphrases

Movies // 4 days ago

Movie review: 'Spinal Tap' re-release proves deeper than catchphrases

LOS ANGELES, July 3 (UPI) -- "This Is Spinal Tap," returning to theaters Saturday, shows there was more to the heavy metal comedy than the most famous catchphrases like "turn it up to 11."

'Jaws' 50th anniversary posters highlight IMAX, 3D, 4DX re-release

Movies // 5 days ago

'Jaws' 50th anniversary posters highlight IMAX, 3D, 4DX re-release

July 2 (UPI) -- Universal Studios released five new posters for the upcoming re-release of "Jaws" on Aug. 29, with a poster for IMAX, 3D, 4DX and more.

'She Rides Shotgun' trailer: Taron Egerton tries to protect daughter

Movies // 5 days ago

'She Rides Shotgun' trailer: Taron Egerton tries to protect daughter

July 2 (UPI) -- Lionsgate is previewing its action-thriller feature "She Rides Shotgun," starring "Kingsman" and "Carry-On" actor Taron Egerton.

'Pretty Thing' reminded Alicia Silverstone of her film 'The Crush'

Movies // 5 days ago

'Pretty Thing' reminded Alicia Silverstone of her film 'The Crush'

LOS ANGELES, July 2 (UPI) -- Alicia Silverstone spoke with UPI about her new stalker thriller "Pretty Thing," in theaters and on VOD Friday, and reflected on her '90s movies "The Crush" and "Clueless," as well as her music videos for Aerosmith.