Queen of the Ring 2024
Queen of the Ring (2024) is a biographical sports drama directed by Ash Avildsen, chronicling the life of pioneering female wrestler Mildred Burke. The film stars Emily Bett Rickards as Burke, with Josh Lucas portraying her manager and husband, Billy Wolfe. The cast also includes Walton Goggins, Tyler Posey, Francesca Eastwood, Deborah Ann Woll, and real-life wrestlers Kamille and Toni Storm, who play Burke's opponents June Byers and Clara Mortensen, respectively.🧭 Plot Summary Set in an era when women's professional wrestling was banned across the United States, the film follows Burke's journey from a single mother and diner waitress to becoming the first million-dollar female athlete. She defied societal norms and fought against both male and female competitors, bringing women's wrestling to Japan and leaving a lasting legacy in the sport.📈 Production The film is based on Jeff Leen's 2009 book The Queen of the Ring and Burke's own manuscripts. Principal photography took place in Louisville, Kentucky, and the film received dispensation to continue filming during the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike.🧠 Critics Queen of the Ring premiered at the Buffalo International Film Festival on October 15, 2024, and was released in U.S. theaters on March 7, 2025. The film has received positive reviews, with critics praising Rickards' performance and the film's portrayal of women's wrestling during a time when it was illegal.🌟 Controversy The filmmakers have accused WWE of attempting to sabotage promotional events for the film, alleging that the company was threatened by the film's storyline and historical perspectives. These accusations point to WWE's efforts to maintain control over the narrative surrounding the evolution of women's wrestling. Queen of the Ring offers a compelling look at the life of a trailblazer in women's sports, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of Mildred Burke's groundbreaking career.📝 Conclusion Queen of the Ring (2024) is a powerful and inspiring biographical film that shines a spotlight on Mildred Burke, a pioneering figure in women's professional wrestling. Directed by Ash Avildsen and led by a strong performance from Emily Bett Rickards, the film captures Burke’s resilience and groundbreaking journey at a time when women were largely excluded from the sport. With its historical significance, compelling narrative, and strong cast, Queen of the Ring not only honors Burke’s legacy but also challenges long-standing narratives in wrestling history. It's a must-watch for fans of sports dramas, feminist history, and underdog stories.
- 2025
- 2 h : 20 min
- 88 views
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6.258
- PG-13
- English (Canada)
Not Rated Yet