The New York City premiere of Queen of the Ring, the upcoming Mildred Burke biopic, is shaping up to be a must-see event. Scheduled for Tuesday, March 4, at AMC Lincoln Center, the guest list is expanding fastand it now includes some of the biggest names in wrestling history.
WWE Hall of Famers Trish Stratus and Lita will be on hand to host a post-screening Q&A with the films cast and crew. They wont be aloneMadusa and Jazz have also been confirmed to attend, making the event a true celebration of womens wrestling.
Directed and written by Ash Avildsen, Queen of the Ring tells the gritty, real-life story of Mildred Burke, the groundbreaking womens wrestling superstar who defied the odds in the 1930s-1950s. Avildsen, the son of Rocky and Karate Kid director John Avildsen, based the script on Jeff Leens 2009 book of the same name.
The film features a stacked Hollywood-meets-wrestling cast:
- Emily Bett Rickards (Arrow) steps into the role of Mildred Burke
- Josh Lucas (American Psycho, The Forever Purge) plays Burkes husband-turned-rival Billy Wolfe
- AEW star Kamille takes on the role of June Byers, Burkes real-life wrestling adversary
- Francesca Eastwood (Old), daughter of Clint Eastwood, plays a young Mae Young
- Marie Avgeropoulos (The 100) portrays Leona Babe Gordon, Burkes championship opponent
- Deborah Ann Woll (Daredevil) steps into the role of Gladys Kill Em Gillem
- Kelli Berglund (Heels) portrays Nell Stewart
- Martin Kove (Cobra Kai) plays legendary wrestling promoter Al Haft
- Walton Goggins (Justified, The Hateful Eight) takes on New York promoter Jack Pfefer
- Jim Cornette makes a special appearance as an NWA official
The film, shot in Louisville, Kentucky, in the summer of 2023, dives deep into Burkes rise to fame, turbulent marriage to Wolfe, and battles against the male-dominated wrestling world.
With a legendary guest list, a star-studded Hollywood cast, and a story filled with drama, Queen of the Ring is ready to make an impact. Will it do justice to the legacy of Mildred Burke? Drop your thoughts below!
