To celebrate the release of Big George Foreman, the new biopic of the legendary boxer turned preacher, we had the pleasure of stepping into the ring with the film’s star and its director to find out all about it.
Big George Foreman is based on the remarkable true story of one of the greatest comebacks of all time and the transformational power of second chances. Fuelled by an impoverished childhood, Foreman channelled his anger into becoming an Olympic Gold medalist and World Heavyweight Champion, followed by a near-death experience that took him from the boxing ring to the pulpit. But when he sees his community struggling spiritually and financially, Foreman returns to the ring and makes history by reclaiming his title, becoming the oldest and most improbable World Heavyweight Boxing Champion ever.
First, we talk to Davis about taking on such a gargantuan task of portraying Foreman on screen through much of his life, from the angry teenager to the fighter and into his work with preaching and helping people, as well as the challenges of the fight sequences, finding the right balance through the life of Foreman, the importance for him of meeting the great man before the film began and much more. Next, Tillman Jnr takes us back to when he was offered the film and why it spoke to him, why now is the right time to tell his story, finding freshness in the ring to bring his unique style of boxing to the fore, and the impact his life has had across the world.
You can watch the full interviews below:
Big George Foreman opens in UK cinemas on April 28th.
