Alan Alda has signed on to star in the new drama, Resurrecting the Champ for the Yari Film Group.

He'll join the cast of Josh Hartnett, Samuel L. Jackson, Kathryn Morris, and Rachel Nichols, along with director Rod Lurie (The Contender). The film is based on the true story of an L.A. Times reporter who wrote about a homeless man who was once a famed fighter, then found the pugilist wasn't who he claimed to be. Variety adds the journalist and his subject had formed a father-son bond.

Principle shooting on Resurrecting the Champ begins in Calgary, Canada in June; a 2007 release has been scheduled.