A new mixed martial arts (MMA) movie is headed to the big screen very soon.
Lionsgate has released the official teaser trailer for Beast, an upcoming sports action-drama starring Academy Award-winner Russell Crowe and Daniel MacPherson. The film is scheduled to hit theaters on April 10, 2026, and aims to blend gritty cage action with a redemption-driven storyline (like every other MMA movie).
According to the official synopsis:
“After years away from the cage, a once-feared MMA champion (MacPherson) is pulled back in for the fight of his life when his younger brother is put in danger. Reuniting with the trainer (Crowe) who once made him a legend, he commits to one final showdown against the reigning title-holder — a brutal fighter determined to dismantle the ex-champ’s legacy in front of the world,” the synopsis reads. “Pushed to his breaking point, the contender’s stakes are simple: win, or lose everything he’s built.”
Crowe plays the hardened veteran coach tasked with rebuilding a broken fighter, while MacPherson portrays the comeback hopeful chasing one last shot at glory. The trailer teases intense training montages, emotionally charged confrontations, and high-production fight sequences staged inside a ONE Championship cage.
Beast is directed by Tyler Atkins, who previously helmed Ocean Boy (2022), with David Frigerio penning the screenplay alongside Crowe, who also co-wrote the script. The cast also includes Luke Hemsworth, Bren Foster, Amy Shark, Mojean Aria, and Kelly Gale. Producers include John Schwarz, Frigerio, Michael Schwarz, and Tim O’Hair.
The film was created in collaboration with ONE Championship, with a pivotal scene filmed live in Bangkok, Thailand, during ONE 170 in January 2025 — adding an authentic big-fight atmosphere.
Beast follows recent MMA-themed releases like The Smashing Machine, which starred Dwayne Johnson but failed to smash the box office or garner any awards momentum. Whether Beast can break that trend remains to be seen.
