EXCLUSIVE: Boxing mother-and-son drama Undercard, starring comedian Wanda Sykes in her first big dramatic film role, has begun principal photography in Puerto Rico for Catalyst Studios.
Emmy Award-winning Sykes plays Cheryl “No Mercy” Stewart, a two-time former boxing champion and recovering alcoholic.
The movie follows her attempts to reconnect with 20-year-old son Keith, a talented but troubled young man, played by rising star Bentley Green (Heist 88), who has followed his mother’s footsteps into the boxing ring.
When Keith finds himself alone in his corner, because of his gambling-addicted trainer, he is forced to turn to his mother. Determined to right past wrongs, she embarks on a mission to train her son for glory in a World Championship title fight.
They are joined in the cast by William Stanford Davis (Abbott Elementary), Xavier Mills, Estella Kahiha, Berto Colon (Switch&Bait, The Night Agent) and Puerto Rican star Roselyn Sanchez (Fantasy Island, Gringa).
Undercard marks the sixth production in two years for Catalyst Studios.
It is directed by Tamika Miller (Honor Student, The Equalizer, Quantum Leap) and co-written by Miller and Anita M. Cal.
The movie is billed as following in the tradition of Raging Bull, Million Dollar Baby and Creed, but with the story told through the eyes of the trainer.
“It is about the struggle and survival of the human spirit. Getting up when life does its best to knock you down. This powerful, moving story is a metaphor for our own challenges. And it shows Wanda like we have never seen her before,” said Catalyst Studios Chairperson Holly Anderson Levow.
“I’m thrilled to have this amazing cast bring Undercard to life, with Wanda leading the way in what I know will be a breathtaking performance,” said Miller.
Veteran producer Anne Clements along with local producers Frances Lausell and Andres Ramirez are overseeing production in Puerto Rico. Kim Coleman is Co-Producer. Sykes also serves as an executive producer.
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