Deadline is reporting that Common has signed up to produce and star in indie boxing drama The Faith of Long Beach, which will be written and directed by Eric Amadio.

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The film focuses on a soft-spoken street fighter who was raised in a group home in Long Beach, California, and is torn between his street-life past and a promising future when he attempts to follow his estranged father’s footsteps into the world of professional boxing.

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Common (whose recent credits include Ava and Never Have I Ever) will be playing the role of a washed-up trainer who takes the challenge of transforming the youngster into a legitimate boxer.

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Producer Adonis Tountas, who put the project together, released a statement saying:

I’ve had this story idea for a few years and always envisioned Common playing an important role so I am extremely humbled and thrilled to be working with him on this. After watching Snowfall and being a fan of Eric’s work, he’s exactly who I wanted to bring this powerful story to life.

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Common also released a statement saying:

Marie and I are excited to be partnering with an inspiring artist like Adonis. We believe this project has a fresh point of view and with Eric on board to write and direct, it will be a raw and transformative story.

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Adonis Tountas of Everlast Pictures will produce alongside Common and Marie Cisco under their Stardust Films banner, and Garrett Weaver.