Shia LaBeouf Will Play John McEnroe in ‘Borg Vs. McEnroe’ Movie

“You cannot be serious!”

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Before there was Twitter and celebrity bar brawls caught on video, there was John McEnroe, the shamelessly smug and often obnoxious mop-topped hellion who dominated professional tennis in the 1970s and 80s. But his temper tantrums often got more attention than his killer serve.

John McEnroe getty
John McEnroe getty

And now Shia LaBeouf — who else!? — will play McEnroe in an upcoming sort-of biopic about his legendary rivalry with Bjorn Borg, another tennis legend with noteworthy hair and a penchant for headbands. Borg/McEnroe will be directed by Janus Metz, and Borg — who is Swedish — will be played by Swedish star Sverrir Gudnason.

Pascal Le Segretain/Getty

“This is a very powerful drama that plunges deep into the minds of two extremely interesting personalities living in an explosive era,” Metz told the Hollywood Reporter. “I am very honored and excited to be at the reigns of it.” 

We’re excited too, but just hope that the deeply eccentric LaBeouf doesn’t get too deep into character and throw temper tantrums on set. This is a pretty inspired casting choice, but it’s also kind of asking for trouble. 

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