Lupita Nyong’o and Chloë Grace Moretz have been cast to play UFC fighters in a new mixed martial arts drama movie, Strawweight.
Per Variety, Nyong’o and Moretz have both joined the cast of Strawweight, which is being directed by James M. Johnston.
What is Strawweight about?
The film “follows the journeys of two fighters who find themselves competing against each other in the Octagon. One is a young woman (Moretz) whose life is changed forever when she discovers her passion for the UFC, while the other is a former champion (Nyong’o) who is determined to reclaim her title by reinventing herself. Both want the same thing — respect — but only one can come out on top.”
Strawweight is written by Paul Harrill, based on a story by Harrill and Johnston. Lars Knudsen, David Lowery, Toby Halbrooks, and Patrick Newall serve as producers on the movie. Professional mixed martial artist Rose Namajunas serves as a fight consultant for Strawweight, while she also executive produces the movie.
Strawweight marks Johnston’s feature film directorial debut. He previously produced a number of Lowery’s movies, including 2013’s Ain’t Them Bodies Saints, 2017’s A Ghost Story, 2018’s The Old Man & the Gun, and 2021’s The Green Knight.
Nyong’o is known for starring in 2013’s 12 Years a Slave, 2016’s Queen of Katwe, 2018’s Black Panther, 2019’s Us, and 2022’s Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. She also voices Max Kanata in the Star Wars franchise and will soon be seen in A Quiet Place: Day One, which releases on June 28, 2024.
Moretz, meanwhile, has appeared in 2009’s 500 Days of Summer, 2010’s Kick-Ass, 2011’s Hugo, 2013’s Carrie, 2014’s The Equalizer, and 2018’s The Miseducation of Cameron Post, among other voices. She recently voiced the titular character in 2023’s Nimona.
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Strawweight does not yet have a release date.
