Queen of the Ring (film)

Queen of the Ring is an upcoming American biographical sports drama film written and directed by Ash Avildsen. It is about Mildred Burke, and stars Emily Bett Rickards, Josh Lucas, Kelli Berglund and Walton Goggins.

Premise
The film chronicles the life of revolutionary female wrestler, Mildred Burke.

Cast

 * Emily Bett Rickards as Mildred Burke
 * Josh Lucas as Billy Wolfe
 * Kelli Berglund as Nell Stewart
 * Walton Goggins as Jack Pfefer
 * Marie Avgeropoulos as Babe Gordon
 * Gavin Casalegno as Joe Burke
 * Kamille as June Byers
 * Toni Storm as Clara Mortensen
 * Trinity Fatu as Ethel Johnson
 * Deborah Ann Woll as Gladys Gillem
 * Francesca Eastwood as Mae Young
 * Martin Kove as Al Haft
 * Cara Buono as Bertha
 * Damaris Lewis as Babs Wingo
 * Britt Baker as Debbie Nichols

Production
The film is written and directed by Ash Avildsen, inspired by the 2010 book The Queen of the Ring: Sex, Muscles, Diamonds, and the Making of an American Legend by Jeff Leen, and Burke's own manuscripts. Jim Ross is executive producer on the film. Aimee Schoof and Isen Robbins of Intrinsic Value Films and TV are producers on the film.

Principal photography took place in Louisville, Kentucky. In July 2023, the film received dispensation to continue filming during the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike.

Casting
In May 2023, Emily Bett Rickards was cast as the lead in the film as Mildred Burke while Josh Lucas was cast as Billy Wolfe. At this time, Marie Avgeropoulos was cast as Babe Gordon.

In June 2023, Walton Goggins, Francesca Eastwood and Deborah Ann Woll joined the cast, with Gavin Casalegno cast as Mildred's teen age son Joe later that month. Charlotte Flair and Liv Morgan had to withdraw from their roles as June Byers and Clara Mortensen due to scheduling and injury issues, respectively, and were replaced by NWA Women's Champion Kamille and AEW Women's Champion Toni Storm. In June 2023, Trinity Fatu joined the cast. Kelli Berglund was cast in August 2023, having previously also played a wrestler on the television series Heels.