The recently released trailer of the upcoming wrestling drama series titled ‘Heels’ brought back fond memories of another film that revolved around the subject of wrestling. Diehard movie buffs may have guessed the name already.
We are talking about Darren Aronofsky’s (Director – Requiem for a Dream, Black Swan) film ‘The Wrestler’ featuring Mickey Rourke (who was the primary antagonist of ‘Iron Man 2’) in the titular role.
The upcoming television series ‘Heels’ is essentially the story of the rivalry between two brothers (played by Stephen Amell and Alexander Ludwig) set amidst the backdrop of small-town pro wrestling.
The brothers fight in scripted matches as they war over their deceased father’s wrestling legacy. One brother is portrayed as the villain (heel) and the other brother is shown as the hero (face).
A sporadic professional wrestler himself, Stephen Amell is well known for portraying the DC Comics character ‘Green Arrow’ in the superhero TV series ‘Arrow’. While Alexander Ludwig came into the limelight after starring in the sci-fi actioner ‘The Hunger Games’ besides featuring in the series ‘Vikings’.
The show’s trailer coupled with the official synopsis apparently conveys a realistic behind-the-scenes wrestling drama revolving around the two brothers. It seems that the show’s theme centers around the protagonists’ endeavor to resurrect their downhill professional lives.
“You’re a washed-up quarterback who couldn’t play in college. I am a lawnmower salesman. It is not enough for me”, says Stephen Amell’s character in the trailer.
Likewise, the somewhat similarly themed and beautifully executed film ‘The Wrestler’ followed an aging professional wrestler (essayed by Mickey Rourke), who contemplates a possible comeback wrestling match to regain his lost glory, despite his health problems (a critical heart condition).
The climactic scene where Mickey’s character climbs the rope to deliver his aerial signature move on his wrestling opponent made us empathize with the character’s discernible duality of emotions (a mix of sorrow and prestige).
Mickey Rourke went on to win Golden Globe and BAFTA Awards for his terrific performance in the film.
Whether ‘Heels’ would be able to recreate the same magic as that of its cinematic counterpart – Mickey Rourke’s 2008 film ‘The Wrestler’, still remains to be seen.
Besides, some other films which have dealt with the subject of wrestling sport are Sylvester Stallone’s directorial debut ‘Paradise Alley’, ‘Body Slam’, ‘Queens of the Ring’, and ‘Andre the Giant’, to name a few.
‘Heels’ is set to premiere on Starz on August 15, 2021.