Rourke to start on Gareth Thomas biopic

Actor Mickey Rourke has announced his plans to start shooting his Gareth Thomas biopic.

The 55-year-old Oscar-nominated star of The Wrestler plans to start work next year on the story of the gay rugby star, the Daily Star reported.

“I think I beat the studio out there by about four days to get the rights to his life story. He announced his retirement a few days ago and hopefully in March [I’ll] do it. I’ve been writing the script for the past year,” Rourke said.

Rourke’s film will follow Thomas’ rugby career and inner turmoil over his sexuality, which he kept secret until 2009.