'Giant': Pierce Brosnan-Amir El-Masry to headline boxer Naz's biopic
What's the story
Pierce Brosnan and Amir El-Masry have been confirmed as the lead actors in the upcoming sports drama Giant.
The film, produced by AGC Studios, will depict the life of British Yemeni boxer Prince Naseem "Naz" Hamed.
El-Masry is set to portray Naz while Brosnan will play his Irish-born boxing trainer Brendan Ingle.
Giant narrates the boxer's journey from Sheffield's working-class neighborhoods to global boxing stardom. This success was achieved despite widespread Islamophobia and racism in Britain during the '80-'90s.
Production
Production details of the film
Rowan Athale, known for his work on The Rise, Gangs of London, and Strange But True, will serve as both writer and director for Giant.
The film was initially set to be shot in Malta but has since been relocated to Leeds, England. This move is aimed at benefiting from the new Independent Film Tax Credit introduced by Chancellor Jeremy Hunt.
The filming is scheduled to commence in late April.
Funding and distribution
'Giant' secured financial backing and distribution rights
AGC Studios and BondIt Media Capital are providing financial support for Giant.
UK distribution rights have been secured by Zygi Kamasa's True Brit Entertainment. AGC International will handle international sales.
The executive producers' list includes notable names such as Sylvester Stallone, Braden Aftergood of Balboa Productions, and True Brit's Kamasa among others.