The biopic about the champion boxer whose career was dramatically cut short after a devastating fight with Chris Eubanks is already causing a stir
Exclusive By Shelley Spadoni in Cannes A powerful new film about Michael Watson, the inspirational British boxing legend who was left paralysed – and almost died – in a now-notorious fight against Chris Eubank in 1991, went down a storm at the Cannes Film Festival. The Force – The Michael Watson Story chronicles the extraordinary life of the former boxer, now 61, who suffered devastating brain injuries in the fight for the WBO super-middleweight title against Eubanks in 1991. Set to have its premiere on 20 September, with a worldwide release on 21 September – 35 years to the day after that fateful night at White Hart Lane – it charts Watson’s devastating injury, his 40-day coma and his remarkable recovery, culminating in his inspiring completion of the London Marathon in 2003.
It also explores the landmark legal case that led to major reforms in boxing safety standards—changes that continue to shape the sport today. Charismatic upcoming Brazilian actor Victor Hugo plays Watson in the upcoming biopic. At 31, he wasn’t born when Watson’s tragic accident happened, sparking shocked headlines across the globe. But everyone he’s told about his latest role, he tells the Mirror, has shown him just how beloved the boxing champ is among the British public. “I told a London cabbie recently about this film and he was so excited, singing his praises literally giving me the entire lore around the terrible events of 1991 – telling me about how incredible and positive Michael was after the accident. I’ve understood the weight of what an amazing person Michael is.” Hugo met Watson, who is in a wheelchair, while preparing for the film, and said he was blown away by his strength of character. “He’s been through so much but he’s just the most humble, kind man. He’s got an incredible sense of humour. He’s only probably got about 80% of his motor functions but he’s so sharp, he cracks jokes all the time, he’s always happy.”
He also recalls the former boxing great turning up to set one day to meet the cast, when they were filming the fateful match scene – and there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. “The second Michael stepped on set, everyone just became overwhelmed with emotions. I had to actually fight back tears because I was about to do my scene, but I couldn’t help it. “I hope I’ve done him justice – this nice guy that everyone loves. It could have gone very differently, he could have died, sunk into depression – but he didn’t. And he stayed friends with Eubank.” Eubank, he added, has not been involved in the film but is aware of it, and he believes he will probably make a joint appearance with Watson at the premiere. Directed by Sean Cronin and produced by Magnificent Films, The Force is set against the British middleweight boxing scene of the 90s, starring Hugo as Watson, whose life was turned upside down following his tragic world title fight against Eubank at White Hart Lane – one which, tragically, left him in a coma and permanently brain damaged.
Eubank is portrayed by newcomer Michael Gukas – and the cast also features portrayals of boxing icons including Nigel Benn, Gerald McClellan, played by Top Boy star Khali Best Frank Bruno, Barry Hearn, played by Nick Moran of Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, Don King, and Muhammad Ali. Director Cronin said: “What happened to him has given him a different kind of life but he’s never given up. Ever. We had around 4,000 extras on this movie, and only four asked for expenses – that’s how much love there was in the room for Michael. The love around this film has already been just incredible .” Cronin added that the premiere this September will likely take place at the Royal Albert Hall – and some of today’s biggest names in boxing are already determined to be there.
“It’s going to be a big deal. Anthony Joshua‘s going to be there, Tyson Fury, too. It’s a huge boxing story.
“But it’s not just a film about boxing. It’s about one man’s incredible resilience and positivity. As the tag line of the movie says, ‘Not all of the fights happen in the ring.'”
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