Actress Francesca Eastwood chatted about playing Mae Young in the new wrestling film “Queen of the Ring,” which was directed by Ash Avildsen.
The synopsis is: In a time when professional wrestling for women was illegal all over the country, a small town single mother named Mildred Burke (portrayed by Emily Bett Rickards) embraces the danger to change culture as she dominates America’s most masculine sport to become the first million dollar female athlete in history.
For Francesca Eastwood, acting is her bloodline. She is the daughter of esteemed actors Clint Eastwood and Frances Fisher.
“I am really proud of this movie,” Eastwood admitted. “I’ve always wanted to play a real person, so getting to play a real person such as Mae has been a big dream of mine.”
Playing Mae Young
“I thought that Mae Young was really inspiring and I instantly fell in love with her,” Eastwood said. “Mae was well wrestling into her 70s and 80s, and that’s the driving force of everything. I loved my character; she was just an amazing woman.”
“Before doing this movie, I had zero experience in wrestling. I’m blessed to have had two weeks training at OVW (Ohio Valley Wrestling), and I worked with great stunt coordinators,” she elaborated.
“In particular, it is an honor to play someone with such chutzpah, for a lack of a better word,” she added.
Working with Ash Avildsen and the cast
On working with Ash Avildsen as director and screenwriter, she shared, “Ash is great. He has given me some of the best direction I’ve ever had.”
Eastwood went on to compliment the cast of actors for their support, guidance, and camaraderie.
Closing thoughts on this film
For fans and viewers, Eastwood expressed, “I hope this movie inspires people to get back up whenever they fall down or no matter how much adversity they face.”
“Mildred Burke was screwed over by so many people including her husband and by everyone but she just kept going,” Eastwood said. “Mildred and Mae had so much beef on the side in real life, however, they worked together for the greater good,” Eastwood concluded.
To learn more about Francesca Eastwood, follow her on Instagram.
Read More: Movie review for “Queen of the Ring“
