Queen of the Ring | |
Director: | Ash Avildsen |
Producer: |
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Screenplay: | Ash Avildsen |
Starring: | |
Cinematography: | Andrew Strahorn |
Editing: | Craig Hayes |
Production Companies: |
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Country: | United States |
Language: | English |
Queen of the Ring is an upcoming American biographical sports drama film written and directed by Ash Avildsen. It is about Mildred Burke, and stars Emily Bett Rickards, Josh Lucas, Kelli Berglund and Walton Goggins.
The film chronicles the life of revolutionary female wrestler, Mildred Burke.
The film is written and directed by Ash Avildsen, inspired by the 2010 book The Queen of the Ring: Sex, Muscles, Diamonds, and the Making of an American Legend by Jeff Leen, and Burke's own manuscripts.[1] Jim Ross is executive producer on the film. Aimee Schoof and Isen Robbins of Intrinsic Value Films and TV are producers on the film.[2]
Principal photography took place in Louisville, Kentucky.[3] In July 2023, the film received dispensation to continue filming during the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike.[4]
In May 2023, Emily Bett Rickards was cast as the lead in the film as Mildred Burke while Josh Lucas was cast as Billy Wolfe. At this time, Marie Avgeropoulos was cast as Babe Gordon.[5]
In June 2023, Walton Goggins, Francesca Eastwood and Deborah Ann Woll joined the cast,[6] with Gavin Casalegno cast as Mildred's teen age son Joe later that month.[7] Charlotte Flair and Liv Morgan had to withdraw from their roles as June Byers and Clara Mortensen due to scheduling and injury issues, respectively, and were replaced by NWA Women's Champion Kamille and AEW Women's Champion Toni Storm.[8] In June 2023, Trinity Fatu joined the cast.[9] Kelli Berglund was cast in August 2023, having previously also played a wrestler on the television series Heels.[10]