Academy Award winner Russell Crowe is set to star in the sports action film ‘The Beast in Me,’ a title that alludes to the inner struggles and resilience of the characters. In what promises to be an emotionally charged film, Crowe will share the screen with Daniel MacPherson, known for his roles in ‘A Wrinkle in Time’ and ‘Strike Back.’
MacPherson’s character, a struggling former mixed martial artist, is on a journey of recovery from a personal tragedy. This journey, both emotional and physical, will be a central theme of the film, underscoring the character’s return to the MMA world.
Crowe will play the role of his trainer, a seasoned mixed martial arts veteran who is also trying to overcome his past. MacPherson’s character sets out to avenge his brother by coming out of retirement to compete in the ONE Championship.
Crowe, well-known for his versatile acting skills, will add another layer of intensity to this gritty sports drama. The film will be directed by Tyler Atkins, the director of “Ocean Boy,” and produced by Broken Open Pictures. It will be the first of its kind, with some scenes set to be filmed during live ONE Championship events, providing unprecedented authenticity.
Russell Crowe Set To Film Scenes During ONE Championship Friday Fights
ONE Championship is the world’s largest martial arts organization, hosting bouts across various martial arts styles.
One of the most exciting aspects of The Beast in Me is its integration with real-time action, as Crowe is set to film critical scenes during a live ONE Championship event. “The Beast in Me” is scheduled to start filming later in the year until early 2025. One of the locations where a pivotal scene will be filmed is the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand, during ONE Championship’s Friday Fights event on Jan. 24, 2025.
The authenticity of filming at a live event will add a raw edge to ‘The Beast in Me.’ It’s a rare opportunity for sports movies to have scenes shot in the midst of real sports promotions. This collaboration between ONE Championship and the film’s production team promises to blur the lines between fiction and reality, creating a unique and immersive viewing experience for the audience.
Fans won’t only witness the intense drama of the movie; they’ll also get to see Crowe and his co-stars sharing screen time with real fighters. Crowe will be in Bangkok for the scene along with ONE Championship’s CEO Chatri Sityodtong, who is expected to play an executive, a role that’s not too far from reality.
“I am thrilled to be partnering with the star-studded cast and production team behind ‘The Beast in Me,'” Chatri explained about his upcoming role in the movie, centered around the promotion he founded. “I am confident ONE is the best platform to help tell their story of grit, perseverance, and determination. We cannot wait to host their entire team in Bangkok at a ONE Friday Fights fight week in January.”
The Rise Of ONE Championship
Founded in 2011, ONE Championship has emerged as the biggest MMA promotion in Asia and the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s top rival. Unlike other fight promotions, which only exclusively promote mixed martial arts competitions, ONE offers a broader variety of combat sports, such as MMA, Kickboxing, Muay Thai, and Submission Grappling competitions. This diversity, coupled with its commitment to promoting martial artists from different disciplines, makes ONE a unique platform for fighters to showcase their skills, and for ‘The Beast in Me’ to tell a compelling story.
ONE Championship’s expansion has been nothing short of impressive. In addition to hosting combat sports events, the promotion has also branched out into reality TV with the production of ‘The Apprentice: ONE Championship Edition.’ This level of diversity in entertainment positions ONE Championship as more than just a sports promotion; it’s a multimedia powerhouse, with ‘The Beast in Me’ being the latest project showcasing its global appeal and diverse offerings.
Filming for “The Beast in Me” won’t be the first time Crowe has worked in Thailand. He was there in 2021 for the production of “The Greatest Beer Run Ever.” That role led Crowe to become an unofficial tourism promotion officer in Thailand, where he met with the minister of culture and even interviewed candidates for the city mayor job.
Crowe’s History With Martial-Arts-Inspired Action Films
Shooting “The Beast in Me” won’t be the first time Crowe will appear in a martial art-inspired action movie. He was the leading actor in the biographical film Cinderella Man, where he played the role of James J. Braddock, the heavyweight boxer the movie revolved around. Crowe’s portrayal of Braddock’s hard-fought journey to redemption earned him widespread critical acclaim and showcased his ability to embody the spirit of an underdog fighter.
Crowe also played a significant role in the movie “The Man with the Iron Fists,” where he worked alongside MMA veterans Cung Le and Dave Bautista. His strong understanding of combat sports and ability to bring characters to life will undoubtedly elevate his role in “The Beast in Me,” where he will once again immerse himself in the raw, emotional world of fighters.
What “The Beast in Me” Means For ONE Championship
The collaboration extends beyond just a collaboration, allowing more visible for ONE’s core values to a broader audience group.
The Beast in Me isn’t just another sports action movie. It’s an opportunity for ONE Championship to cement its presence in mainstream media. The collaboration between Hollywood and ONE Championship has the potential to elevate the brand to new heights, introducing a global audience to the fighters, ethos, and energy of the promotion.
For ONE Championship, this film is a tremendous marketing opportunity. It’s a way to share its core values of perseverance, honor, and strength with a broader audience. Featuring an actor of Crowe’s caliber will provide a fresh perspective on combat sports, highlighting the emotional, mental, and physical challenges fighters face.
With scenes filmed during actual events, viewers of the film will get an intimate look at the fast-paced world of ONE Championship, further blurring the line between reality and cinema. This integration of live sports and film reflects ONE Championship’s broader strategy of becoming a global entertainment brand.
This partnership with Hollywood, through ‘The Beast in Me,’ will help ONE Championship grow its international fan base, particularly in the Western market. With the film set to be released worldwide, viewers unfamiliar with ONE Championship could be drawn into the promotion’s multifaceted approach to combat sports, setting the stage for even more significant growth.
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