Mildred Burke Biopic: Bringing the Queen of the Ring to the Screen
The legendary life of Mildred Burke, a pioneer in women's professional wrestling, is being adapted into a feature film. Written and directed by Ash Avildsen, the project draws its inspiration from Jeff Leen's 2010 biography, The Queen of the Ring: Sex, Muscles, Diamonds, and the Making of an American Legend, as well as Burke's own personal manuscripts.
The production is supported by a robust team, including executive producer Jim Ross and producers B.D. Gunnell alongside Aimee Schoof and Isen Robbins of Intrinsic Value Films and TV.
Production and Filming
Principal photography for the film took place in Louisville, Kentucky. Despite the industry-wide disruptions caused by the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike (the labor dispute involving the Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists), the production received a special dispensation in July 2023, allowing filming to continue without interruption.
The Cast and Characters
The film features a blend of established actors and professional athletes to bring the wrestling world to life. Emily Bett Rickards takes on the lead role of Mildred Burke, while Josh Lucas portrays Billy Wolfe. The supporting cast includes Marie Avgeropoulos as Babe Gordon and Gavin Casalegno as Mildred's teenage son, Joe.
Additional cast members who joined the project in June 2023 include Walton Goggins, Francesca Eastwood, and Deborah Ann Woll. Trinity Fatu also joined the ensemble in June, followed by Kelli Berglund in August 2023, who brings previous experience playing a wrestler from her role in the series Heels.
Role Changes and Athletic Casting
The production saw some notable changes in its casting of professional wrestlers. Charlotte Flair and Liv Morgan were originally cast as June Byers and Clara Mortensen, respectively, but had to withdraw due to scheduling conflicts and injury. They were replaced by current champions: NWA Women's Champion Kamille and AEW Women's Champion Toni Storm.
Key Facts
- Director/Writer: Ash Avildsen.
- Source Material: The Queen of the Ring by Jeff Leen and Burke's manuscripts.
- Filming Location: Louisville, Kentucky.
- Lead Actress: Emily Bett Rickards as Mildred Burke.
- Notable Cast: Josh Lucas, Walton Goggins, and Toni Storm.
- Strike Status: Received dispensation to film during the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike.
| Actor/Athlete | Character/Role |
|---|---|
| Emily Bett Rickards | Mildred Burke |
| Josh Lucas | Billy Wolfe |
| Marie Avgeropoulos | Babe Gordon |
| Gavin Casalegno | Joe (Mildred's son) |
| Kamille | June Byers |
| Toni Storm | Clara Mortensen |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is directing the Mildred Burke film?
The film is written and directed by Ash Avildsen.
Where was the movie filmed?
Principal photography took place in Louisville, Kentucky.
Who plays the lead role of Mildred Burke?
Emily Bett Rickards was cast as the lead role of Mildred Burke.
Why were Charlotte Flair and Liv Morgan replaced?
Charlotte Flair withdrew due to scheduling issues, and Liv Morgan withdrew due to an injury.
What sources were used for the screenplay?
The film is based on the book The Queen of the Ring by Jeff Leen and manuscripts written by Mildred Burke herself.