Gareth Thomas movie is searching for new lead actor

The film depicting the life of the gay Welsh rugby star is searching for a new actor to play Thomas after Mickey Rourke quit the role.

Rourke, according to The Sun, has stepped down from playing Gareth Thomas in his biopic movie after citing problems with the stunt training.

It is suggested by the newspaper that 34-year-old Tom Hardy is the favourite to take on the role of the 37-year-old rugby favourite who found a new host of fans after appearing on Channel 5’s Celebrity Big Brother in January.

Thomas told The Sun, “I was talking to Mickey and basically we’re now talking to other big-name actors who could play the part instead.

“We had talked about using computer-generated special effects with Mickey but we don’t think that will be as realistic, so it’s time to find someone new.”

59-year-old Rourke had taken a hands-on method approach to playing Thomas with research into the role including spending time with rugby players including drunken nights out and indulging in arm wrestling which lead to the actor tearing a bicep.

Thomas quit professional rugby in October last year, Thomas’ spokesperson, Emanuele Palladino, told the press at the time: “We can confirm that Gareth Thomas is officially retiring from both international and club rugby with immediate effect.

“This marks the end of what has been a remarkable career for a remarkable person. Gareth hopes that through his achievements both on and off the field he has left a lasting legacy within the game.”

The popular rugby personality, born in Sarn, Bridgend, was due to play for Wales against England in the Gillette Four Nations Series the same week he quit. He previously spent most of his sporting career playing rugby union with Cardiff. In 2007 Thomas surpassed Gareth Llewellyn as the most-capped Wales rugby union player with his 93rd appearance. He switched to rugby league in 2009, Thomas revealed his homosexuality in the same year, however added that he did not want to be known as a gay rugby player.