The more we think about it, the more sense it makes: After all, ‘Black Panther’ star Lupita Nyong’o and Chloe Grace Moretz, who once became famous for ‘Kick-Ass’, have already shown a lot of body control in other roles. In ‘Strawweight’ they now have to step into the Ultimate Fighting Octagon. Because they will fight in the ring as opponents.
In ‘Strawweight’, Chloe Grace Moretz plays a young woman whose troubled life changes forever when she discovers her passion for martial arts and the UFC. Lupita Nyong’o plays the former strawweight world champion, who doesn’t want to retire just yet. She decides to reinvent herself to have another shot at the title. Their different paths both lead to the same place: the fighting ring. But only one of them can win there.
Mixed martial arts action with UFC support
“Strawweight” will be the feature directorial debut of James M. Johnston, who previously worked closely with David Lowery. He was involved as a second-unit producer and director on many of his films, such as ‘The Green Knight’, ‘Ain’t Them Bodies Saints’ and ‘Peter Pan & Wendy’. He developed the story for ‘Strawweight’ together with author Paul Harrill (‘Light from Light’). Harrill then wrote the final script.
What gives us hope that we’ll get some really good mixed martial arts action is that there’s another person involved: two-time strawweight world champion Rose Namajunas, who has now moved up to flyweight, is also involved. She is on board not only as an executive producer, but also as an executive producer The UFC fighter will also act as a consultant to ensure the martial arts scenes are authentic.
It is not yet known when ‘Strawweight’ will be released. The rights are currently being offered on the Berlin film market, after which filming should begin. By the way, Lupita Nyong’o is also currently in Berlin because she chairs the Berlinale, which takes place parallel to the EFM, and together with her jury decides on the award of the bears for the best titles in the competition.