Internet entertainment and gossip websites are reporting that Lowell's own Irish Micky Ward bio-pic "The Fighter" has a new leading man to play the role of his half brother Dicky Ecklund.

Matt Damon was rumored to play the troubled brother of the hometown hero Ward. It is now being reported that Brad Pitt is in talks to portray the trainer who knocked out Sugar Ray Leonard down.

The Paramount Pictures drama is being directed by Darren Aronofsky. Scott Silver ("8 Mile") is working on the current draft of the screenplay. David Hoberman and Todd Lieberman are producing through their Mandeville business.

It is being reported that Damon can not participate due to scheduling conflicts.

All of the film's key players, except for Pitt, have ties to Boston. Film production is set for fall 2008.