Hollywood heavyweight Pierce Brosnan has traded in his tailored suits and martini glasses for a gritty tracksuit and boxing gloves as he takes on the role of legendary boxing trainer Brendan Ingle in the upcoming film “Giant.”
With an aging face and a navy blue trackie, Brosnan could easily be mistaken for an ordinary bloke strolling through the streets of Yorkshire. However, his transformation into Ingle, complete with a white combed-over hairdo and oversized glasses, is nothing short of remarkable.
The film, set to chronicle the profound friendship between Ingle and boxing icon ‘Prince’ Naseem Hamed, delves into the untold story behind one of boxing’s most essential relationships.
“Giant” will trace Naseem’s journey from his humble beginnings in Sheffield to international stardom, highlighting the unorthodox training methods and challenges he faced under Ingle’s guidance. Amidst the backdrop of the 80s and 90s, Naseem battled rampant Islamophobia and racism to become one of Britain’s most celebrated sports stars.
Portraying Naseem is rising star Amir Al-Masry, known for his role in “The Crown,” while the script is penned by Rowan Athale, writer of “Gangs of London,” who also takes on the directorial reins.
Ingle, who passed away in 2018, left an indelible mark on the boxing world, training four world champions including Naseem Hamed. Their relationship, however, was not without its ups and downs, as revealed by Naseem himself.
Reflecting on his time with Ingle, Naseem expressed regrets over the rift that developed between them, emphasizing the invaluable lessons and mentorship he received during their partnership.
“The time I had with Brendan was an amazing time. It was priceless,” Hamed remarked. “What I learnt from that gym and that environment was priceless. The only thing I really want is to sit with Brendan to apologize to him if I upset him and to make up with Brendan.”
As Brosnan embodies the role of Ingle, audiences can anticipate a compelling portrayal of the complex dynamics between mentor and protege in the world of boxing.
With filming underway in Yorkshire, “Giant” promises to be a knockout success, blending raw emotion with gripping storytelling to deliver a cinematic experience like no other.
Credit: The Sun
