While the name Peter Mullan may not be instantly recognizable, you’ve undoubtedly seen him onscreen before. With supporting roles in everything from “Braveheart” to “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1,” as well as the upcoming Steven Spielberg epic “War Horse,” Mullan has spread himself across the cinematic landscape. On the other hand, Ashley Thomas, better known by his fans as Bashy, is a name you’ve probably never heard unless you enjoy British hip-hop that steals pretty liberally from the far more enjoyable work of artists like Dizzee Rascal.
According to Screen Daily, producers Dean Fisher and Ray Panthaki have found a way to bring these two contrasting talents together in “The Man Inside,” a film described as an “urban thriller.” Thomas will be slipping into the gloves of a young boxer who has to struggle with his father’s gangster past. Mullan will act as Thomas’ trainer and all-around life adviser, filling the void of the Thomas character’s father.
While this dynamic certainly isn’t new, most notably seen between Burgess Meredith and Sylvester Stallone in the “Rocky” films, perhaps this urban take on the tale will breathe some new life into the boxing film genre. Mullan has proven he can stand on his own in films like “Session 9” and the Paddy Considine directed “Tyrannosaur,” though Thomas’ screen credits include generic crime thrillers like “Shank” and “Adulthood” that don’t fill us with much hope.
The film will also star Panthaki, Michelle Ryan and Jason Maza, with Dan Turner set to write and direct. Production is set to begin in Newcastle soon. Kaleidoscope Entertainment will be releasing the film in the UK while their distribution arm is in charge of international sales. —Benjamin Wright
