The Summer film season is among us, and next month wrestling fans have a new thriller to look forward to. Unchained releases at the beginning of July, and it features a few very well-known wrestlers.
Unchained is about an underground fight club where kidnapped prisoners are forced to fight for their survival and features some great action when it comes to mixed martial arts such as Brazilian jiu-jitsu, boxing, and more. In the middle of the action is wrestling star Taya Valkyrie, fighting and acting opposite actress Mair Mulroney.
For anyone unfamiliar with Taya Valkyrie, that was her previous ring name. Now signed to WWE, she currently fights under the ring name Franky Monet for the NXT brand.
Monet/Valkyrie isn't the only wrestling name to appear in this film, however. Joining in on the fun as an announcer, Rock Riddle also makes his presence felt. Riddle is a 3-time Hall of Fame recipient, holds several titles, and has wrestled many greats.
In addition to the wrestling names, Academy Award Nominee Eric Roberts, known for his roles in The Expendables, The Dark Knight, Best of the Best, Heroes, and numerous more, is a big part of the story-telling process in Unchained also.
In addition to providing the directing on Unchained, it was also co-written by Raphaello, with who we were able to speak exclusively and chat about the film. Talk turns to the film's score, the inspiration from Max Payne's bullet-time slow-mo for the fight scenes, his love for pro-wrestling and other fighting styles, and more.
Raphaello even spoke with us about his other upcoming feature, The Year of Laughing Dangerously, and how the two films vastly contrast. Raphaello dives into his love for pro-wrestling, and we discuss why the medium should be given more attention, especially by those enamored by comic books and superheroes.
We will also be sharing interviews with the stars of the film, Taya Valkyrie, Rock Riddle, and lead actress Mair Mulroney, but for now, we've included both the audio version of our chat with Raphaello, as well as our full video interview at the bottom for those looking for a fully immersive interview experience.
Below, you can see the official poster for the film, featuring the main cast members, including Mulroney, Valkyrie, Roberts, Riddle, and more.
The full video interview video is below, along with the official synopsis for the film. Be sure to share your thoughts in the usual spot, and stay tuned for our other interviews headed your way in support of Unchained with Taya Valkyrie, Mair Mulroney, and Rock Riddle.
To Rise, You Must Be Willing to Fall. Full-tilt action thriller Unchained opens up the world of underground fighting this summer.
An idealistic woman is kidnapped and forced to compete in an underground fight ring. Every night is a fight for her life as she plans to overthrow her captors and save the lives of many others doomed to the same endless cycle.
Unchained is unshackled July 2 on digital from Leomark Studios.