Ferrell to star in 'Battle of the Sexes' tennis film
Will Ferrell is set to star in tennis drama 'Match Maker'.
The 'Anchorman 2: the Legend Continues' actor will play Bobby Riggs, who first found fame as a professional sportsman in the 1940s but hit headlines in 1973 following the 'The Battle of the Sexes' match against Billie Jean King.
Since Ferrell is known for being a major sports fan, often spotted at the sidelines of USC football games as well as courtside at LA Lakers games, it is believed his passion inspired producer Peter Chernin to pursue him for the role of Riggs.
According to Variety.com, the biopic will be based Don Van Natta Jr.'s ESPN story - titled 'The Match Maker: Bobby Riggs, the Mafia and the Battle of the Sexes' - published in August 2013, which alleged that the former champion threw the match against King to settle gambling debts.
Peter Chernin and Jenno Topping will produce via their Chernin Entertainment banner, with Ferrell and Adam McKay through their Gary Sanchez Productions, alongside David Ready and Jessica Elbaum.
The script was penned by 'The Secret Life of Walter Mitty' screenwriter, Steve Conrad.
