We got word just this week that a sequel to Martin Scorsese’s classic Raging Bull was kicking off production in Los Angeles. Things are moving fast, as the first photos have now been unveiled via press release. And it’s not looking good. Written and directed by Martin Guigui, with no involvement from Scorsese or Robert De Niro, these first two stills from Raging Bull II forgo the beautiful black-and-white aesthetic found in the 1980 classic and just have a general low-budget feel.

I’d have no problem seeing a un-related film about an up-and-coming boxer, but this one just looks like a desperate cashgrab.  Especially as it comes in the form of a prequel and sequel to Scorsese’s film, going back and forth between early and late events in LaMotta’s life. Check out the photos above and below for the film starring William Forsythe, Joe Mantegna, Tom Sizemore, Penelope Ann Miller and Mojean Aria.

Synopsis:

This film may quench the unsatisfied thirst that movie goers desire to see more of this true middleweight boxing legend as well as newcomers who want to see an action film that shows how a man’s inner drive can overcome life’s obstacles. Raging Bull II fills in the gaps and allows us to get to know Jake LaMotta. It answers such questions as what happened to him or what he was like as a youngster. LaMotta himself was present and providing guidance before and during the shoot.

Although Raging Bull gave us the adult version of Jake LaMotta, it did not provide the rare look into Jake’s childhood nor the impact of the after effects of his violent life. Raging Bull II provides this much desired insight into the real-life struggle of a down-and-out pugilist who turns his anger, abusive childhood into a boxing career. Although his brute force turned him into a middleweight champion, it also created challenges in his life.

Raging Bull II hits theaters in 2013.