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PWInsider.com has confirmed a lot of additional details on the forthcoming independent feature film Queen of the Ring: Based on the True Story of Mildred "Millie Burke", an independent film written and directed by Ash Avildsen (No Cover, the in-development Genghis Khan and Paradise City, among other projects), which will tell the story of influential groundbreaking women's star Mildred Burke.
The film will begin shooting in Louisville, Kentucky this Monday 6/12 through at least late July and in some production material, the film has been referred to as just Millie, so they may be shortening the title. The screenplay by Avildsen is based on the excellent Jeff Leen book of the same title on Burke's life, which was released back in 2009. Avildsen recently scored a Grammy nomination for Best Metal Performance for singer Poppy, who has appeared on WWE NXT programming in the past.
Arrow star Emily Bett Rickards (Felicity Smoak in the excellent DC series) has been cast to play Burke in the film.
The plot of the film - "The true story of the tough, gutsy Mildred Burke, the first world famous female pro wrestler and million dollar athlete, who becomes a champion of a growing entertainment franchise in the 1930s-1950s. Married to business partner BILLY WOLFE, the brilliant but vicious entrepreneur who pioneered women wrestlers, Mildred endured his infidelity and physical abuse despite the rise of her own power until she couldn't take it any more. With courage, panache and a loyal following, Mildred challenged the all-male hierarchy of the wrestling world as she became the first woman to headline over men."
PWInsider.com has confirmed the following additional casting of professional wrestling personalities from that time period:
-Francesca Eastwood, recently seen in M. Night Shyamalan's film Old will be portraying WWE Hall of Famer Mae Young, who will be seen in her 20s/30s. Eastwood is the daughter of Clint Eastwood.
-Leona "Babe" Gordon, who Burke defeated for the Women's World Championship will be portrayed by Marie Avgeropoulos (The 100). She has also appeared in the Steve Austin film Hunt To Kill.
-WWE's Charlotte Flair has been cast as June Byers, who was a former Women's World Champion for numerous promotions, and a major rival for Burke. One would think a match between the two would be one of the climactic moments of the film.
-Josh Lucas will be playing Billy Wolfe. Lucas is well known for roles in a number of feature films including The Hulk, The Forever Purge, American Pycho and tons of other projects. Wolfe, as some will know, was a major promoter of women's wrestling in that time period and not a likable personality, in the least, as he exploited the women he promoted. He was also the former husband of Burke.
-Deborah Ann Woll (Karen from Marvel's Daredevil, in which she was excellent) will portray Gladys "Kill em" Gillem.
-Kelli Berglund, who stars in STARZ pro wrestling series Heels as Crystal, will portray "Alabama Bombshell" Nell Stewart.
-Legendary pro wrestling promoter Al Haft will be portrayed by Cobra Kai's Martin Kove. Haft was one of the original promoters to form the National Wrestling Alliance.
-Walton Goggins will be playing legendary New York City wrestling promoter Jack Pfefer, one of the first to ever break kayfabe and reveal secrets of the business to the media at the time, but also pushed for women's wrestling to be legally allowed in NYC.
-Clara Mortenson, a star from the 1930s and 40s who later moved into the Hollywood world as an actor. WWE's Liv Morgan is slated to play her.
A number of these personalities were featured years ago in the excellent Ruth Leitman women's wrestling documentary Lipstick & Dynamite.
The film is said to be budgeted in the $5 million area, so it's closer to an independent film than a studio production.
The film is currently seeking extras to appear as pro wrestling fans during film shoots in Louisville. If you are interested, click here for additional information.
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