The octagon is calling Russell Crowe in the new Australian MMA drama, Beast. The Oscar-winning actor is co-writing and starring in the film directed by Tyler Atkins, playing the grizzled coach of a former MMA champion dragged back to the cage after his brother is put in danger.
Crowe co-wrote the Beast screenplay with David Frigerio, and stars alongside Strike Back actor Daniel MacPherson, Luke Hemsworth, Bren Foster, Amy Shark, Mojean Aria, and Kelly Gale. It’s a story of pride, redemption, and tough men with bruised egos. Crowe previously worked with McPherson and Hemsworth on his 2022 gambling drama, Poker Face.
McPherson’s character, Patton James, had settled down for a peaceful life away from the violence, but now must reunite with the man who trained him for one final, brutal camp to prepare for a devastating bout against the reigning champion.
The film was developed in conjunction with combat sports promotion ONE Championship, with key sequences shot in Bangkok during an event in January 2025.
Lionsgate will release Beast in theaters on April 10th.
