Zodiac star Mark Ruffalo and Australian actor Guy Pearce are battling it out for the lead role in a new stage version of On The Waterfront - in the part made famous by the late Marlon Brando.

The two actors are said to be director Steven Berkoff's top choices to play the role of fading boxer Terry Malloy in the West End adaptation of the Oscar-winning movie, having secured a deal with 93-year-old Budd Schulberg, who penned the original screenplay.

Brando garnered critical acclaim for his portrayal of Malloy in the 1954 film, leading to his Best Actor Academy Award in 1955.

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(This news article provided by World Entertainment News Network)