Russell Crowe will help bring ONE Championship to the big screen, as first reported by Variety. The A-list actor has another combat sports movie in the works titled The Beast in Me, which will revolve around MMA. A portion of the movie will be filmed on January 24 at a ONE Friday Fights event.
The major motion picture will be led by Daniel MacPherson, who plays an out-of-work MMA athlete. When tragedy befalls his brother, he seeks revenge in his honor. With the help of his trainer (Crowe), he embarks on a journey to compete in ONE.
“I am thrilled to be partnering with the star-studded cast and production team behind The Beast In Me. 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,” ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong said in a press release.
The January 24 event will not be held inside the historic Lumpinee Stadium. Instead, it will move to Impact Arena. The rowdy Bangkok crowd will provide a wild backdrop for the film’s fight scenes, and additional scenes will be shot throughout the event week.
“We are excited to be partnering with ONE Championship as we create a film that resonates with fans, celebrating the spirit of competition, resilience, and the pursuit of greatness. With access to ONE’s vast network of athletes and events, we are poised to deliver an exhilarating cinematic experience that reflects the true heart of martial arts,” producer and co-writer David Frigerio said.
ONE will receive a production partner and consultant credit on the film for its involvement. Crowe has already delivered instant classics Gladiator and Cinderella Man, and The Beast in Me will be another notch for combat sports in his filmography. 2025 will begin with a Hollywood legend elevating martial arts with his latest project.
