Eminem, Gyllenhaal surprise fans at 'Southpaw' screening

Eminem and Jake Gyllenhaal made a surprise visit to a "Southpaw" screening at the AMC Livonia 20 multiplex.

And like the Eminem song for the movie's soundtrack says, it was phenomenal.

The rapper and the actor were introduced to a cheering, photo-snapping audience by Bushman of WJLB-FM (97.9) at a 7 p.m. Sunday preview showing of the boxing drama. "Southpaw" hits theaters Friday.

The visit wasn't announced beforehand. A studio representative said on behalf of the Weinstein Co., which is distributing the film, that both stars wanted to surprise fans in Eminem's hometown of metro Detroit.

The two then immediately left the theater. Gyllenhaal, who flew in for the impromptu visit, had to return to the airport and leave for New York City, where a "Southpaw" premiere is being held Monday.

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Eminem and Gyllenhaal spoke briefly to the crowd. “Everyone in the movie is great, I think, in my opinion. I’m super-excited to be a part of it,” said Eminem.

Eminem also is expected to be at the New York event.

Also at the AMC Livonia 20 on Sunday were Tommy Hearns and several area boxers, who were attending the screening to see Gyllenhaal's work as Billy Hope, a prizefighter who goes on a downward spiral after the death of his wife and tries to win back custody of his daughter.

The role was originally written for Eminem by "Southpaw" screenwriter Kurt Sutter (FX's "Sons of Anarchy"). When the hip-hop icon dropped out of the project to concentrate on his music, Gyllenhaal took over the role and trained intensively to make the boxing look realistic.

Eminem has remained close to the film and executive produced the soundtrack, which is being released on his Shady Records label.