Christian Bale, From 'The Dark Knight' to 'The Fighter'

© Chris Hatcher/PR Photos

Having portrayed a superhero in "The Dark Knight" and a man fated to fight an army of killing machines in "Terminator Salvation", Christian Bale adds another character to his resume as he is tapped to portray a boxer-turned-trainer in "The Fighter". The 35-year-old will play a real-life boxer by the name of Dicky Eklund who destroys his career by turning to drugs and crime.

By taking the role of Ecklund, Bale fills in the shoes of the character that once was attached to Matt Damon and linked to Brad Pitt. In this feature film, Bale will share screen with "Max Payne" actor Mark Wahlberg, who has been set earlier to star as Eklund's half-brother, Boston fighter "Irish" Mickey Ward.

"The Fighter" focuses its story on "Irish" Mickey Ward and his success of reaching the world lightweight championship with the assistance of his half-brother Dicky Eklund. Director Darren Aronofsky was touted to helm the project. But when it was stalled, Aronofsky moved on. Now, director David O. Russell takes over the directorial job. The picture is expected to begin production in July although the contracts are not yet signed.