There's something irresistible about a sports underdog story—the sweat, the grit, the triumphant comeback. That's exactly why Giant, the upcoming boxing biopic executive-produced by Sylvester Stallone (Rocky), is already generating serious buzz. Directed by Rowan Athale (Gangs of London), the film chronicles the rise of Prince Naseem “Naz” Hamed, a flamboyant featherweight who revolutionized boxing with his unorthodox style and larger-than-life persona.
ShowtimeSpot has an exclusive sneak peek at Giant, and it's a knockout. The clip transports us to 1994, where a young Naz (Amir El-Masry) faces Vincenzo Belcastro in a fight that would announce him as a force to be reckoned with. Despite being only his 12th professional bout, Hamed dominated over 12 rounds to claim the European title. The footage is raw and visceral—a testament to the brutality and beauty of the sport.
The Story Behind the Ring
Giant isn't just about punches and glory. The official synopsis reveals a deeper narrative: "With his unorthodox style, cocky persona and sheer dominance of the sport, Naseem faced down the abhorrent racism and islamophobia that swept Britain in the 80’s and 90’s, to become a global sporting icon." At the heart of the film is the unlikely bond between Naz and his trainer, Brendan Ingle—a former steelworker who ran a humble gym in a church hall in Northern England. Ingle, played by Pierce Brosnan (GoldenEye, Mamma Mia!), becomes the mentor who shapes Naz's path to greatness.
Stallone, who knows a thing or two about boxing movies after Rocky and Creed, brings his signature touch to the project. Fans of his recent work might also be curious about his upcoming crime series adaptation of 4MK.
Who's in the Ring?
The cast is stacked with talent. Amir El-Masry (The Night Manager, Limbo) steps into the gloves as Naz, while Brosnan brings gravitas as Ingle. Toby Stephens (Die Another Day, Black Sails) plays promoter Frank Warren, and Katherine Dow Blyton (Emmerdale, This Is England) portrays Alma Ingle. The supporting roster includes Ali Saleh and Ghaith Saleh as younger versions of Naz, plus Arian Nik, Austin Haynes, Rocco Haynes, and others.
For those craving more exclusive looks at upcoming projects, check out our Summer TV Preview for sneak peeks of The Vampire Lestat, Dark Matter, and more.
When Can You See It?
Giant hits select theaters and VOD on May 22. Whether you're a boxing fan or just love a good underdog story, this one promises to deliver the emotional highs and lows that make sports biopics unforgettable. Stay tuned to ShowtimeSpot for all the latest updates.
