Mario Balotelli 'headed' for Hollywood

Mario Balotelli could soon be on his way to Hollywood after being scouted by a showbiz agent.

Top agent Ari Emanuel, 51, had gone to watch Manchester City’s home game against Southampton on Sunday and was overheard “chatting animatedly” about the 22-year-old striker, the Daily Star reported.

Emanuel is a joint boss of William Morris Endeavour, which represents many of the world’s top stars.

Friends have said that the player might fancy a comedy, as he is a fan of legendary double act Laurel and Hardy.

“Mario has charisma by the bucketload. He’s a fascinating character – someone you feel would be a success at anything” a source said.

Emmanuel had hit the headlines in 2006, when he had called on Hollywood to blacklist Mel Gibson, 56, over reported anti-Semitic remarks that the actor had made, during a drink-drive arrest.

His stature in the industry has led to TV parodies. The characters Stevie Grant, played by Bob Odenkirk on The Larry Sanders Show, and Ari Gold, played by Jeremy Piven on Entourage, are said to be based on him.