We’d all like to see Miles Teller get punched in the face, right? Even just a little bit? Except when J.K. Simmons is screaming at him in Whiplash. And maybe not when he’s slogging his way through a terrible Fantastic Four movie. Teller seemed like he needed a hug then.

But Teller comes off as a pretty smug guy in his movies and public appearances. That might make him a perfect choice to play boxer Vinny Pazienza, known for his wild, brash personality and flamboyant ring attire. The man’s nickname was “The Pazmanian Devil.” Vinny Paz, a five-time world champion, was also known for taking some brutal beatings in the ring, notably from Roberto Duran and Roy Jones Jr. Perhaps the most compelling aspect to Pazienza’s story is that he came back from a serious auto accident in which he suffered two broken vertebrae and was told he may never walk again.

Could Bleed for This be the next great boxing movie? Pazienza, Teller and director Ben Younger (Boiler Room) certainly hope so. Martin Scorsese (Raging Bull) is also an executive producer, which provides some boxing movie bona fides. Here is the first trailer for the film:

Based on this initial preview, Bleed for This certainly looks promising. Most importantly, Teller is convincing as a boxer, getting in outstanding shape to portray Pazienza. Starting off with his outrageous attempts to make weight before his 1988 fight with Roger Mayweather sets the tone nicely. Pazienza seemingly didn’t do anything the easy way. Deciding to work out and lift weights while wearing a Halo to keep his spine stabilized (and metal screws drilled into his skull) certainly speaks to his determination, if not his sanity. But that certainly makes for a great story and some compelling visuals here.

It’s sort of a running joke in Hollywood that to be considered great, actors have to play a boxer at least once in their careers. Teller is obviously following that path, and looks as if he could be doing some of his best work here. Judging from the movie’s release date, producers have Academy Award ambitions for Teller and this project. The cast also includes Aaron Eckhart as trainer Kevin Rooney, along with Katey Sagal and Ciaran Hinds as Pazienza’s parents.

Bleed for This will open in limited release Nov. 4 before going nationwide on Nov. 23.

[Extra Mustard]

About Ian Casselberry

Ian is a writer, editor, and podcaster. You can find his work at Awful Announcing and The Comeback. He's written for Sports Illustrated, Yahoo Sports, MLive, Bleacher Report, and SB Nation.