Rob Gronkowski may not be on the way to becoming a full-blown Hollywood star just yet, but he’s apparently getting a little taste. The Patriots tight end (for now) has been cast in the upcoming action movie Boss Level, according to The Tracking Board.
The movie stars Mel Gibson as a retired special forces officer who gets trapped in a time-loop on the day of his death. Think Groundhog Day meets Lethal Weapon. It also stars Naomi Watts, Frank Grillo, Will Sasso, and Annabelle Wallis. It’s written and directed by Joe Carnahan, who most recently wrote the Bruce Willis-starring remake of Death Wish and has directed actioners like The Grey, Smokin’ Aces, and Narc.
Gronk will most likely play some kind of henchman or goon in the movie. He may not even have any lines beyond one or two cheesy one-liners. So this isn’t exactly Gronk’s retirement letter from the NFL, but this news certainly won’t make many Patriots fans feel good about his football future.
WESTWOOD, CA – JULY 14: NFL player Rob Gronkowski speaks onstage during the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Sports Awards 2016 at UCLA’s Pauley Pavilion on July 14, 2016 in Westwood, California. The Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Sports Awards 2016 show airs on July 17, 2016 at 8pm on Nickelodeon. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
He may still be far away from becoming a legitimate star in Hollywood, and Gronk has already proven that he can appear in a movie and still be fine for football season. But anything made by Carnahan and starring Mel Gibson is a legitimate Hollywood production. He’s at least a little bit interested in making the jump to the big screen, even if it’s just a side gig.
Movies are clearly a far cry from the physical demands of football, and even WWE wrestling. Spitting lines and playing pretend with Mel Gibson probably won’t give him a concussion.
Meanwhile, Gronk’s future with the Patriots remains uncertain. But maybe he ends up doing both. Stay tuned for the coming attractions.
— By Matt Dolloff, 985TheSportsHub.com
Matt Dolloff is a digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Follow him on Twitter @mattdolloff or email him at matthew.dolloff@bbgi.com.