It’s not even due to hit the big screen until the end of the year, but ‘Deal’ is already making the headlines.
The so-called ‘WPT movie’ wrapped production this week, with stars Burt Reynolds and Bret Harrison, unsurprisingly, bigging up its chances at the box office.
For those who have missed the growing hype, the film follows the fortunes of an internet-turned-tournament player, played by Harrison and a seasoned former champion, Reynolds, who coaches and then goes up against his protégé.
Producers recreated the Bellagio interior and roped in some pros, including Anthony Esfandiari and Phil Laak, as well as Mike Sexton and Vince Van Patten to call the action. Essentially, the whole thing is a big budget imaginary version of the weekly WPT show.
Rumour has it that the notoriously difficult to please Reynolds picked up plenty of poker tips and actually got as far as enjoying himself during filming. According to Michael Arata, Deal’s producer, poker players will be “stunned when they see the movie.
Whether this is simply a classic case of studio hyperbole remains to be seen.
It’s not even due to hit the big screen until the end of the year, but ‘Deal’ is already making the headlines.