If you've ever wanted to know what happened in middleweight boxer Jake LaMotta's early life that made him such a Raging Bull in his later years, then Raging Bull II is the movie for you!  The new prequel/sequel, which recently began filming, highlights LaMotta's life "before the rage and after the rage" found in the original Martin Scorsese picture, starring Robert DeNiro (neither of whom is attached to Raging Bull II).  The Martin Guigui (Beneath the Darkness) picture stars William Forsythe (Boardwalk Empire) as an older LaMotta with Mojean Aria (Cross Life) as a younger version.  The picture also stars Tom Sizemore (Heat), Joe Mantegna (Criminal Minds), Paul Sorvino (Goodfellas) and Penelope Ann Miller (The Artist). Hit the jump to check out the first images and press release for Raging Bull II.

Here's the press release, followed by the images (via JoBlo):

LOS ANGELES, June 20, 2012

/PRNewswire/ -- 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.

Martin Guigui, writer-director, has attracted a wealth of established actors, including William Forsythe, Joe Mantegna, Tom Sizemore, Penelope Ann Miller, along with fresh talent such as Mojean Aria as the young Jake LaMotta. Living up to the legendary Raging Bull is quite a daunting task. Although intriguing, Raging Bull fans will have to wait until 2013 to see the film.