Mickey Rourke has joined the cast of the upcoming Independent drama The Wrestler. According to Variety, Darren Aronofsky will be directing the project.

Aronofsky and Robert Siegel co-wrote the screenplay, which revolves around an over-the-hill wrestler that heads back into the ring for one last shot at glory. Nicolas Cage was originally supposed to star in the film, but dropped out early. There was no word as to why he declined to appear in the project.

Aronofsky will begin shooting the film in January.

The Wrestler was released December 17th, 2008 and stars Mickey Rourke, Marisa Tomei, Evan Rachel Wood, Mark Margolis, Todd Barry, Wass Stevens, Judah Friedlander, Ernest Miller. The film is directed by Darren Aronofsky.