Ryan Destiny and Brian Tyree Henry are set to bring the story of boxing champion Claressa Shields to the big screen in ‘The Fire Inside.’
In an exclusive first look from PEOPLE, Destiny stars as Shields, the two-time Olympic gold medalist boxer from Flint, Michigan. Shields made history as the only American boxer to win consecutive gold medals at the 2012 and 2016 Olympic Games.
The film, written by Oscar-winning screenwriter Barry Jenkins, focuses on Shields’ high school years as she prepares for the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. Henry plays her coach, Jason Crutchfield.
Shields, now 29, has won all 14 of her professional boxing matches and holds multiple championship titles. She tells PEOPLE, “My life story was fit for the big screen because I am really a once-in-a-lifetime athlete and person.”
Director Rachel Morrison, making her feature film debut, aims to highlight Shields’ inspiring journey. “Claressa Shields is one of the best athletes of all time, and her story is profoundly inspiring,” says Morrison.
Morrison describes Shields as “relatable and real, flawed and human,” emphasizing her determination and resilience. “Her story makes us feel like if she can prevail, we can too.”
Destiny notes that portraying Shields required significant physical and mental preparation. “I had to transform and get into the best shape of my life,” she says. “Claressa is so layered, and our film shows her humanity beyond the ring.”
‘The Fire Inside’ will premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in September and hit theaters on December 25. Shields is set to compete on July 27, facing Vanessa Lepage-Joanisse for the World Boxing Council’s heavyweight championship belt in Detroit.
Originally story found here.
