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Ryan Garcia is taking his movie star looks to the silver screen.
Hollywood has turned to the rise of the unbeaten lightweight contender for its latest foray into boxing cinema, as One Community and Endeavor Content have agreed to greenlight a feature film about a Mexican-American boxer loosely based on and inspired by Garcia. The yet-to-be-titled movie has not yet begun filming, but will feature Garcia in a co-starring role.
Gina Rodriguez, who will serve as leading actress, co-screenwriter (along with playwright Bernardo Cubria) and producer, in addition to making her directorial debut.
“I am very excited about the opportunity to work with Gina, Bernardo, One Community, and Endeavor Content on this project,” said Garcia, who is planning a ring return for later this summer or early fall after previously taking time to focus on his mental health. “My goals have always been to prove myself in the ring and to also continue to share my story in hopes that it will inspire others.
“Boxing will always be at the forefront of my career and I cannot wait to return to the ring very soon as a stronger and healthier KingRy.”
Garcia (21-0, 18KOs) will soon look to resume his boxing career well before filming begins. The 22-year-old Victorville product rose to contention—and off of the canvas—in his most recent bout, recovering from a 2nd round knockdown to score a 7th round knockout of England’s Luke Campbell in front of a sellout crowd at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas.
The boxing theme is a suitable fit for Rodriguez, a Chicago-bred winning actress who is the daughter of retired boxing referee Genaro ‘Geno’ Rodriguez.
“I grew up in a boxing family and loved watching sports dramas with my dad,” noted Rodriguez. “The philosophies of fighting – working hard, staying focused, being honest, fighting fair but to win – has stayed with me. On behalf of myself and my production company I Can and I Will, I couldn’t be more excited to partner with Ryan Garcia on this film. He is not only an outstanding athlete and champion, but a true advocate of normalizing and furthering conversations on mental health.
“His bravery has inspired me, and I am honored to have his trust to direct this film and guide his first foray into the arts… we cannot wait to share this story with audiences worldwide.”
Garcia—an influencer who boasts more than 13 million followers across social media platforms—was subsequently due to face Dominican Republic’s Javier Fortuna on a July 9 DAZN show from Banc of California Stadium in Los Angeles. However, the Victorville, California product—who previously expressed his extended battles with anxiety and depression—opted to take time away from the ring to tend to such personal matters.
Despite speculation to the contrary, the timing had nothing to do with his role in the movie, which is still in the early developmental stage and not due to begin filming until the second quarter of 2022.
Jake Donovan is a senior writer for BoxingScene.com. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox