Giant, a biopic of British boxer Naseem Hamed begins a five-week shoot in Sheffield this week, starring Paddy Considine and Mena Massoud. 
 

The film examines the story of the young boxer (Massoud)’s rags-to-riches journey to become a world champion, under the tutelage of his Irish boxing trainer, Brendan Ingle (Considine).

Rowan Athale directs from his own screenplay; Mark Lane of Tea Shop Productions produces alongside Kevin Sampson of White Star Productions with AGC’s Stuart Ford.

Sylvester Stallone and Braden Aftergood of Balboa Productions serve as executive producers.
 

Nicknamed ‘Prince Naseem’ and ‘Naz’, Hamed held several featherweight world championships. He was known for his extravagant, flamboyant ring entrances, with props such as a flying carpet and a palanquin. His worldwide stardom frequently sold out entire arenas.  
 

When the project was confirmed a few months ago, Athale said: “I have wanted to bring this movie to screen for many years. The story of fabled boxing trainer Brendan Ingle and his tempestuous relationship with protege “Prince” Naseem is both legendary and truly cinematic. 
 

“It’s exciting, necessary, hilarious, and heartbreaking, and to be making this movie with the incomparable Paddy Considine and Mena Massoud, and with the support of the one and only Sylvester Stallone and his Balboa Productions team, is a dream come true.”
 

Mena Massoud, Reprisal, image credit: Hulu.