Vince Vaughn Teases Start Date for New Mobster Movie with S. Craig Zahler

The actor discusses his upcoming gangster film "The Bookie and the Bruiser" with the writer-director.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 2:53pm

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Vince Vaughn has revealed that he will soon begin filming a new mobster movie called "The Bookie and the Bruiser" with writer-director S. Craig Zahler. The film, which was first announced in 2024, will see Vaughn reunite with Zahler after previously starring in the director's films "Brawl in Cell Block 99" and "Dragged Across Concrete". Vaughn confirmed that production on "The Bookie and the Bruiser" is set to start in early April in Toronto, with Theo James joining Vaughn in the lead roles.

Why it matters

Vaughn and Zahler have developed a strong creative partnership, with the actor starring in two of the director's previous acclaimed crime dramas. Fans of their collaborations will be eager to see what the duo has in store with this new period gangster film.

The details

In "The Bookie and the Bruiser", Vaughn will play the "Bruiser", an Italian-American World War II veteran who teams up with a Jewish bookie (Rossi) to enter the criminal underworld, only to find themselves caught in a deadly gang war between the Mafia and the Irish mob.

  • The film was first announced in 2024.
  • Production on "The Bookie and the Bruiser" is set to begin in early April 2026 in Toronto.

The players

Vince Vaughn

An American actor who is set to star in "The Bookie and the Bruiser" as the "Bruiser", an Italian-American World War II veteran.

S. Craig Zahler

An American writer, director, and musician who is directing "The Bookie and the Bruiser" and has previously collaborated with Vaughn on other crime dramas.

Theo James

A British actor who has been cast in the role of the Jewish bookie opposite Vaughn in "The Bookie and the Bruiser".

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What they’re saying

“Then, with Zahler, we're going to go do The Bookie & the Bruiser, which is a period mafia movie. As much as I love all of his movies, I'm really excited. This is a very fun, very cool movie to be a part of.”

— Vince Vaughn

What’s next

The film is currently in pre-production and will begin shooting in early April 2026 in Toronto.

The takeaway

Vaughn and Zahler's continued collaboration on gritty crime dramas like "The Bookie and the Bruiser" demonstrates the actor's commitment to working with directors who can bring a unique and compelling vision to the genre.