Pierce Brosnan takes on the pivotal role of coach Brendan Ingle in the newly released boxing film ‘Giant,’ which follows the dramatic journey of famed British–Yemeni boxer Prince Naseem Hamed. The film, which opens this year’s Red Sea Film Festival, brings together director Rowan Athale, rising actor Amir El-Masry, and Hollywood icon Sylvester Stallone as executive producer, creating high anticipation among fans of the Pierce Brosnan boxing film genre.
Director Rowan Athale’s Personal Passion for Boxing Stories
Rowan Athale’s fascination with boxing movies dates back to his childhood in Sheffield, England, where a VHS cover of ‘Rocky 3’ with Sylvester Stallone and Mr. T first caught his eye. This early encounter would ultimately inspire his direction of ‘Giant’ three decades later, fulfilling a lifelong ambition to work within the boxing film tradition and with Slamone himself.
Crafting ‘Giant’: Bringing Prince Naseem Hamed’s Story to the Screen
‘Giant’ draws inspiration from the real experiences of Prince Naseem “Naz” Hamed, portrayed by Amir El-Masry, who held featherweight world championship titles from 1995 to 2000. The film centers on Naz’s meteoric rise as well as the tense and complex relationship with his iconic coach, played by Brosnan. Through the lens of boxing, the narrative also addresses broader societal issues, such as the prejudice faced by Muslims and minorities in the UK during the 1980s.
Securing Pierce Brosnan for the Role of Brendan Ingle
Rowan Athale, recalling his ambitions to cast the renowned Irish actor, admitted to initially doubting their chances. Brosnan, with a schedule packed by commitments to Steven Soderbergh’s ‘Black Bag’ and Guy Ritchie’s ‘MobLand,’ seemed out of reach. But Athale’s producer, Stuart Ford at AGC Studios, encouraged him to attempt contact. In an unexpected twist, Athale received a pivotal call.
“It was a phone call from Malibu, and I thought it was one of Pierce’s agents,”
Athale shared.
“I was at the vegetable section of [food store] Morrison’s when I answered the phone, and it’s Pierce,”
he recounted.
“I walked around the supermarket for 20 minutes giving him the pitch, which was bizarre. A day later, he was in.”
– Rowan Athale, Director
Amir El-Masry’s Remarkable Transformation as Prince Naseem
Casting the role of Naz was critical to ‘Giant’s’ authenticity. The filmmakers found their leading man in Amir El-Masry, known for his work in ‘Limbo’ and ‘The Crown.’ With limited preparation time, El-Masry threw himself into the role, learning boxing from scratch while trying to embody the energy and technique of Hamed.
“What he did in this film should be talked about in drama classes and film school,”
said Athale.
“Two weeks into prep, Amir had never boxed in his life. By the time we shoot the movie, he looks like [Prince Naseem]. It’s superhuman. I had never seen anything like that.”
– Rowan Athale, Director
Sylvester Stallone’s Influence as Executive Producer
The involvement of Sylvester Stallone materialized when Athale’s previous project, ‘Little America,’ was postponed due to the pandemic. Stallone, recognized for his deep ties to cinematic boxing, offered his expertise and backing for ‘Giant’ through Balboa Productions.
“I told him I had a boxing film and he said: ‘I know a thing or two about those.’”
– Rowan Athale, Director
“He and his producer wanted to read the script, then they came back with notes, but said they wanted to be involved with it and they could help open doors from the boxing side,”
Athale explained.
“It was this wonderful thing that he was able to do both creatively and in terms of the seal of approval he gave us.”
– Rowan Athale, Director
While ‘Little America’ is now slated to resume production in 2026, the global attention on ‘Giant’ marks a significant milestone in Athale’s filmmaking journey.
“The market is there for it, the project sold around the world, which was an incredible reception. So we are ready to turn our heads back to this one.”
– Rowan Athale, Director
A Film with Broader Social Resonance
The film’s selection as the opening title for the Red Sea Film Festival in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, added a layer of pride for Athale, who sees the honor as testament to the story’s universal appeal. ‘Giant’ not only entertains but sparks important discussions regarding identity and discrimination faced by minorities in Britain.
“I haven’t been to the festival before, but I’ve followed it and seeing Spike Lee there last year, Sean Baker this year, it’s wonderful company to be in.”
– Rowan Athale, Director
“To be able to show the film in the Arab world and have a conversation here is meaningful. I’m not Muslim, but I am mixed race and my brothers and I faced many of the experiences you see in the film growing up in Sheffield.”
– Rowan Athale, Director
Building Connections in Saudi Arabia’s Growing Film Industry
In addition to celebrating the film, Athale expressed excitement about exploring filmmaking opportunities in Saudi Arabia. His positive prior experience collaborating with MBC, a leading Saudi media company, and his admiration for the region’s modern production infrastructure are shaping his outlook.
“I have developed a script with [Saudi-based media company] MBC before and that was a wonderful experience,”
he recalled.
“Part of being in Saudi is seeing the new Hollywood. Many of my colleagues who have been lucky to be invited to Red Sea said the facilities are state-of-the-art and there is a lot of passion behind it. It’s a very hardworking culture and people. If an opportunity arises, that is something I would definitely do.”
– Rowan Athale, Director
Anticipating the Film’s Impact and Next Steps
As ‘Giant’ debuts at the Red Sea Film Festival, its powerful portrayal of Pierce Brosnan as a boxing mentor, Amir El-Masry’s convincing turn as Prince Naseem, and the guidance of Sylvester Stallone behind the scenes signal a compelling entry into the sports drama canon. The film highlights timely themes of perseverance, identity, and community, reflecting both on the history and evolving landscape of boxing and cinema. With Rowan Athale eyeing further opportunities for collaboration in the Middle East, ‘Giant’ sets the stage for ongoing cultural and creative dialogue within the worldwide film community.
