Amir El-Masry stepped into a world of intense training and unexpected support while preparing to portray the electrifying British boxer, ‘Prince’ Naseem Hamed. The story of the cocksure featherweight champion, who dominated the late ’90s boxing scene, had remained untold on screen – until now.
El-Masry, known for his role as the young Mohamed Al-Fayed, faced a daunting challenge: he’d never boxed before. He dedicated five grueling weeks to training, twelve hours a day, only to suffer a dislocated finger right before filming crucial fight scenes. The setback was devastating, but a seasoned colleague offered unexpected wisdom.
Pierce Brosnan, playing Hamed’s trainer Brendan Ingle, shared his own experience with a serious knee injury sustained during a James Bond stunt. “He came up to me and said, ‘Nothing else matters besides your health. Don't worry about these fights,’” El-Masry recalls. Brosnan’s perspective was a powerful reminder that well-being takes precedence, even amidst demanding performance expectations.
The film also benefited from the involvement of Sylvester Stallone, the legendary creator of the *Rocky* franchise, as an executive producer. Stallone’s endorsement carried significant weight, a testament to the compelling nature of Hamed’s journey. “For him to put his stamp on a boxing film is the ultimate certificate,” El-Masry explained.
Hamed’s story embodies the classic “zero-to-hero” arc, a narrative that resonates deeply with audiences. It’s a tale of overcoming adversity, a theme powerfully conveyed through the energy of a boxing film. El-Masry believes this is precisely why Stallone, whose own life mirrored a similar struggle, recognized the story’s potential.
For El-Masry, the role was deeply personal. Growing up, Naseem Hamed was an idol, a young Muslim man from Britain who defied expectations to reach the pinnacle of his sport. “For me to put a young Muslim man in Great Britain who overcame so many trials and tribulations to become world champion is inspiring in itself,” he said.
The actor meticulously studied Hamed’s movements, working with movement coach Polly Bennett, who previously guided Rami Malek’s transformation into Freddie Mercury. He even dissected an interview with Hamed on the iconic 90s show *TFI Friday*, replicating the boxer’s mannerisms with remarkable precision.
While Hamed wasn’t directly involved in the film’s production, he has since viewed it. Director Rowan Athale personally screened the film for Hamed in Dubai, and later arranged a viewing with his family in the UK, demonstrating a deep respect for the boxer’s legacy. “We’re still discussing his blessing,” Athale chuckled.
The film doesn’t shy away from the complexities of Hamed’s story, including his eventual split from his long-time trainer, Brendan Ingle. Athale describes their relationship as a partnership of dreamers who achieved extraordinary success, only to be fractured by the pressures of fame and fortune.
The allure of wealth and the temptations that come with it played a significant role in the breakdown of their bond. “As soon as money comes into the equation, the devil is at work,” El-Masry observed, noting that this dynamic is common even within the acting world.
Brosnan’s involvement extended beyond offering support to El-Masry. Athale recalls receiving a phone call from the actor while grocery shopping, a moment he initially dismissed as a prank. Brosnan then enthusiastically contributed to developing the opening scene, adding a touch of playful energy with his impromptu “dad dancing.”
El-Masry found it surreal to share the screen with the iconic James Bond. “It was really surreal at one point when I was in the ring with him, and I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, I’m fighting James Bond!’” he exclaimed.
Ultimately, *Giant* is a celebration of Naseem Hamed’s extraordinary life and career. El-Masry is proud to be part of a project that finally brings this inspiring story to the big screen. “It’s someone whose story is being told,” he says, “finally.”
