Move over, Rocky Balboa—there's a new underdog story packing a punch on streaming. Giant, a biographical sports drama produced by Sylvester Stallone and starring former James Bond actor Pierce Brosnan, is quietly becoming one of the most-watched films across major platforms this March. While it hasn't generated the blockbuster buzz of a theatrical tentpole, its steady climb on digital rental charts proves audiences are still hungry for compelling stories about triumph against the odds.
From Steel City to Streaming Stardom
The film tells the true story of British boxing sensation Prince Naseem Hamed and his transformative relationship with trainer Brendan Ingle. Set against the gritty backdrop of Sheffield's working-class streets in the 1980s and 90s, it charts Hamed's rise from a talented but raw youth to a global superstar, navigating unorthodox style, a cocky persona, and the pervasive racism and Islamophobia of the era. Directed and written by Rowan Athale, the narrative focuses on the powerful mentorship between the fighter and his coach, a dynamic that has drawn inevitable—and favorable—comparisons to Stallone's own iconic franchise.
Stallone's involvement runs deeper than a mere producer credit. The film is a product of his Balboa Productions, the company he founded to expand the Rocky/Creed universe and develop new projects that capture a similar spirit. While Giant is a distinctly British story, its core themes of discipline, mentorship, and relentless ambition echo the DNA of Stallone's most famous creation, creating a familiar yet fresh draw for viewers.
A Cast That Delivers a One-Two Punch
The road to the final cast saw some significant shifts. Pierce Brosnan ultimately stepped into the role of trainer Brendan Ingle, a part initially linked to House of the Dragon's Paddy Considine. Brosnan's performance, a departure from his suave spy roles, has been singled out by critics as "superb." Opposite him, Amir El-Masry (Industry) portrays the flashy and formidable Naseem Hamed, taking over a role that was once considered for Aladdin star Mena Massoud. The chemistry between the two leads has been widely praised as the film's driving force.
After premiering at the BFI London Film Festival in late 2025 and a UK theatrical run in January 2026, Giant has now found its strongest footing in the digital arena. It's currently available for purchase or rental on Premium Video-On-Demand (PVOD) services including Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, and Sky Store. Notably, the film has rocketed to the top of the most-purchased charts on Rakuten TV in both the UK and Ireland, indicating a strong word-of-mouth surge.
Critical Reception: More Than Just a Rocky Clone
Early reviews have been largely positive, with many acknowledging its roots while celebrating its unique tone. Some outlets have dubbed it "the UK’s answer to Rocky," a tagline that undoubtedly helps its streaming algorithm visibility. However, critics like James Mottram of Radio Times note that the film carves its own path, describing it as "more melancholy than Rocky-like, and all the better for it." The film currently holds a 61% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes, with praise centered on the compelling story and the lead performances.
This streaming success story is part of a larger trend where well-crafted genre films find a massive second life online. Similar to how Knock Knock: Keanu Reeves' Divisive Thriller Finds New Life on Prime Video, or the recent dominance of One Piece Season 2 on Netflix, Giant demonstrates that audience interest isn't limited to splashy new releases.
For US audiences, the fight is just beginning. Vertical Entertainment holds the distribution rights and is planning a stateside theatrical release later in 2026. Its current streaming performance in other territories, however, suggests it could be a sleeper hit waiting to happen. It joins other critically acclaimed performances finding their audience, much like Anna Kendrick & Wunmi Mosaku in 'Alice, Darling'.
For now, Giant stands as proof that the classic sports biopic, when executed with heart and strong performances, still has the power to connect. With the combined legacy of Stallone's producing prowess and Brosnan's charismatic turn, this film is scoring a technical knockout on the streaming charts, one rental at a time.
