'The Fighter' Set Pics Revealed

This week some new set photos have hit the net surrounding the David O. Russell directed film "The Fighter" starring Mark Wahlberg and Christian Bale. "The Fighter" has taken it's time getting before a camera with both Brad Pitt and Matt Damon dropping out of the role Dickie Eklund. The vacancy was filled by Christian Bale and now the true story of the Irish working class boxer Mickey Ward is finally lensing in Massachusetts. The film will follow Ward's rise as Jr. Welterweight underdog who went on to 38-13 career and widespread recognition after the legendary 2002 fight with Arturo Gatti.

In the photos released via Just Jared and Coming Soon Bale looks to have once again dramatically dropped his weight down to match the look of his real-life character Dickie Eklund. Eklund who also was once a well respected boxer, later fell victim to drug abuse including time spent in prison. Eklund however did coach his half-brother Mickey Ward for 26 of his professional fights from 1985 up to Ward's first retirement in 1991. Mark Wahlberg looks to be in the kind of shape we would have expected, because this guy has always been in shape since back in the early 90's, when he was dancing around with his Funky Bunch. "The Fighter" is scheduled to release some time in 2011. Checkout the images of Christian Bale and Mark Wahlberg on set below...

What say you? Is The Fighter something you're looking forward to seeing? Strikeback...