Eminem, ‘Southpaw’ Star Jake Gyllenhaal Surprise Fans At Boxing Film Screening

“Phenomenal” rapper Eminem and “Southpaw” star Jake Gyllenhaal surprised fans when they appeared during the screening of the boxing film at the AMC Livonia 20 multiplex in Livonia, Mich. The film was directed by Antoine Fuqua and written by Kurt Sutter.

The visit of the Detroit rapper and Oscar-nominated actor was not announced beforehand. They wanted to surprise fans in metro Detroit, Eminem’s hometown, according to studio representative of the Weinstein Co., which is distributing “Southpaw.”

Eminem told the audience that in his opinion, everyone in “Southpaw” is great and he is very excited to be a part of it. Tommy Hearns and several area boxers were among those who attended the boxing film screening.

After the surprise visit, the two left shortly after as Gyllenhaal had to go to New York City, where a “Southpaw” premiere will be held on July 20, Monday. Eminem will also attend the movie premiere in New York, according to Detroit Free Press.

In “Southpaw,” Gyllenhaal plays a prizefighter named Billy Hope, who hits rock bottom following the death of his wife and tries to win back his daughter’s custody. He took over the role after Eminem, for whom the role was originally written, turned it down.

For the boxing film, Gyllenhaal had an intensive boxing training. While Eminem dropped out of the project to focus on his music, he executive produced the “Southpaw” soundtrack and recorded songs for it including “Phenomenal” and “Kings Never Die” featuring Gwen Stefani.

Released on Eminem’s Shady Records label, the “Southpaw” soundtrack will be released on July 24, the same day the boxing film is set to hit theatres. Recently, the Detroit rapper the music film for “Phenomenal,” which features “Penguins of Madagascar” star John Malkovich.

In the “Phenomenal” music film, Eminem’s character faces off against an adversary played by Malcovich. The rapper’s character also has to run away after refusing to join the evildoers. A cameo appearance of “Fresh Off the Boat” actor Randall Park also adds comic relief to the video.

Joining Gyllenhaal in the “Southpaw” cast are “True Detective” season 2 star Racher McAdams, “Taken 3” star Forest Whitaker, “Power” star 50 Cent, “Spectre” actress Naomie Harris, “The Strain” actor Miguel Gomez, “The Expendables 3” actor Victor Ortiz and “Fifty Shades Darker” actress Rita Ora, among others.

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