THE BEAST IN ME: Russell Crowe, ONE Championship Team Up For Bangkok MMA Drama Filming Through 2025

Academy Award-winning actor Russell Crowe (Gladiator, A Beautiful Mind, Cinderella Man, Land Of Bad) is teaming up with lead actor Daniel MacPherson (Land of Bad, Foundation, Infini), martial arts mega brand ONE Championship (ONE) for MMA action drama production, The Beast In Me. Broken Open Pictures will commence filming later this year in Bangkok, Thailand.

The Beast In Me will see MacPherson in the role of an out-of-work former MMA fighter who suffers a personal tragedy involving his brother. With the help of a veteran trainer, played by Crowe, he sets out to avenge his brother by coming out of retirement to compete in ONE Championship. Crowe co-penned the script with fellow Land Of Bad cohort David Frigerio who is also producing.

ONE is set to be featured prominently in the film as well with expected appearances by ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong. Par for the course will be an MMA action scene shot using the backdrop of a ONE Friday Fights live event at Bangkok, Thailand’s Impact Arena on January 24, 2025, with additional footage being captured throughout fight week.

“I am thrilled to be partnering with the star-studded cast and production team behind The Beast In Me,” said Sityodtong. “I am confident ONE is the best platform to help tell their story of grit, perseverance, and determination. We cannot wait to host their entire team in Bangkok at a ONE Friday Fights fight week in January.”

“We are excited to be partnering with ONE Championship as we create a film that resonates with fans, celebrating the spirit of competition, resilience, and the pursuit of greatness,” added Frigerio. “With access to ONE’s vast network of athletes and events, we are poised to deliver an exhilarating cinematic experience that reflects the true heart of martial arts.”

Frigerio, along with Tim O’Hair and John Schwarz, will produce. Shane Abbess and Brett Thornquest will exec produce.

More details on the film, including an official release date and global distribution partners, will be announced in the future, according to a press announcement issued on Wednesday this week.

Russell Crowe image by Eva Rinaldi via Wikimedia Commons – ONE Championship logo by ONE Championship.