Theater News

Will the Life of Boxing Champ Joe Louis Take the Stage?

Kirmser Ponturo Group acquires exclusive rights to the story.

The life story of World Heavyweight Champion Joe Louis could be receiving a stage or film adaptation.
The life story of World Heavyweight Champion Joe Louis could be receiving a stage or film adaptation.

Fran Kirmser and Tony Ponturo of Kirmser Ponturo Group LLC have announced that they have acquired the exclusive global theatrical and movie rights to the life story of World Heavyweight Champion Joe Louis. Considered one of the greatest heavyweights of all time, Louis reigned as world champion from 1937-49.

As previously reported, Kirmser and Ponturo will also serve as executive producers for the upcoming Legendary Pictures film adaptation of Eric Simonson's play Lombardi, which opened on Broadway in the fall of 2010. The play tells the life story of renowned football coach Vince Lombardi, best known as the head coach of the Green Bay Packers during the 1960s. The original Broadway production was produced by Kirmser Ponturo Group LLC in association with the NFL . Dan Lauria starred as Lombardi with Judith Light as his wife, Marie. Light earned a 2011 Tony Award nomination for her performance.

Kirmser Ponturo Group LLC is an incubator company that develops work at the crossroads of sports and entertainment.