(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Mickey Rourke says he finds his new film role extremely fascinating.

The American actor has orchestrated a career renaissance over the past couple of years, following his starring role in 2008 film The Wrestler.

For his latest project, Mickey plans to depict the life of openly gay Welsh rugby star Gareth Thomas. The athlete confirmed he was gay in December 2009, making him the first player in his sport to do so.

Mickey revealed he cannot wait to begin filming as he finds his character so intriguing.

I was reading an article about it and I thought it was fascinating. I went over there and asked them. I said, Look, I promise you, Ill make your story with all the integrity that I can. Let me have the rights, he told Extra.

Mickey has previously stated that he plans to have his teeth surgically removed to accurately portray Gareth for the film. His dedication to the role is partly due to his intense admiration for a man who he believes faced the sternest of tests.

"[He is] the only professional athlete to come out of the closet and say 'I'm gay, while he's still playing. When you say, gay athlete, this guy is a piece of work, hes 6ft 3in, full of muscle, he had the balls to come out and tell his wife, his coach and the players, he complimented. (C) Cover Media