Amir El-Masry to Star with Pierce Brosnan in Sports Drama “Giant” Based on Boxer Naseem Hamed’s Story
DUBAI: Get ready for an epic sports drama as British Egyptian actor Amir El-Masry joins forces with Hollywood legend Pierce Brosnan in the upcoming film “Giant,” inspired by the life of British Yemeni boxer Naseem “Naz” Hamed.
El-Masry will step into the shoes of Hamed, a boxing icon who dominated the ring from 1992 to 2002, while Brosnan will portray his boxing trainer Brendan Ingle, hailing from Ireland. The movie is set to be helmed by acclaimed filmmaker Rowan Athale, known for his works like “The Rise,” “Gangs of London,” and “Strange But True,” with Sylvester Stallone taking on the role of executive producer alongside other top Hollywood executives.
“Giant” will delve into the inspiring tale of Hamed’s rise to fame from a modest background in a working-class neighborhood of Sheffield, under the mentorship of Ingle. The boxer made headlines during a time of heightened Islamophobia and racism in Britain during the 1980s and 1990s.
El-Masry, who garnered a Scottish BAFTA for his outstanding performance in the film “Limbo” in 2021, has also made his mark in popular TV shows like the fifth season of Netflix’s historical drama “The Crown,” where he portrayed the young Egyptian billionaire Mohamed El-Fayed, showcasing his versatility and talent as an actor.