The world of wrestling has long been a spectacle of strength, endurance, and showmanship, but rarely has it delved deeply into the struggles and triumphs of its female pioneers. Queen of the Ring, an upcoming biographical drama, changes that by spotlighting the life of Mildred Burke, the trailblazing professional wrestler who broke barriers in the 1930s and ’40s. The film stars Emily Bett Rickards, known for her role as Felicity Smoak on Arrow, in what appears to be a career-defining performance. The recently released trailer offers a glimpse into a gritty, emotionally charged narrative that not only honors Burke’s legacy but also sheds light on the challenges she faced in a male-dominated industry.

A Glimpse into the Trailer

The Queen of the Ring trailer opens with an evocative montage of Mildred Burke’s early days, hinting at her humble beginnings and the harsh realities she endured to rise to the top of the wrestling world. Interspersed with footage of Burke in the ring—her fists raised in victory, her face bloodied from the fight—are scenes of her personal struggles. The trailer paints a stark picture of a woman fighting for her place, both in the wrestling world and in society.

Lines like “You can’t break a woman who’s already broken” echo as the trailer transitions from Burke’s initial foray into wrestling to her meteoric rise as a world champion. The visuals of packed arenas, roaring crowds, and theatrical stunts juxtapose moments of quiet reflection, emphasizing the duality of her life: the public spectacle of a wrestling icon and the private battles she endured as a mother, wife, and trailblazer.

Emily Bett Rickards: A Career-Defining Role

For Emily Bett Rickards, portraying Mildred Burke is a departure from her previous roles. Best known for her work on The CW’s Arrow, Rickards is no stranger to strong, resilient characters, but Queen of the Ring takes that to a whole new level. The trailer reveals Rickards’ physical and emotional transformation, showcasing her in intense training montages and wrestling matches that demand not just athleticism but also vulnerability.

Physical Transformation

Rickards underwent months of training to embody Burke, learning wrestling techniques and building the physical strength necessary to portray a champion. The trailer highlights her mastery of in-ring maneuvers, from suplexes to body slams, while also capturing the raw brutality of early professional wrestling, which was far less choreographed than it is today.

Emotional Depth

Beyond the physical, Rickards brings emotional depth to Burke’s character. The trailer shows her grappling with the sexism of the era, the toll of fame, and the challenges of being a single mother. One poignant scene depicts her standing alone in an empty arena, a moment of solitude that contrasts sharply with the roaring crowds she commands in other shots.

Mildred Burke: A Trailblazer Ahead of Her Time

Mildred Burke’s story is one of resilience and tenacity. Born in 1915, she entered professional wrestling at a time when women were often relegated to side shows and novelty acts. Burke not only proved that women could wrestle but that they could do so with the same skill and intensity as their male counterparts. She went on to hold the Women’s World Championship for nearly two decades and helped legitimize women’s wrestling as a serious sport.

The trailer hints at the systemic challenges Burke faced, including sexism from male promoters and rivalries within the wrestling community. It also touches on her tumultuous personal life, particularly her relationship with Billy Wolfe, a wrestling promoter who was both her manager and husband. Their contentious divorce and Wolfe’s attempts to blacklist her from the industry underscore the personal sacrifices Burke made for her career.

Cultural Significance of the Film

Queen of the Ring arrives at a time when stories of female empowerment and resilience are resonating more than ever. Mildred Burke’s journey is not just about wrestling; it’s about breaking barriers in a world designed to keep women in their place. The film’s exploration of themes like sexism, perseverance, and self-identity makes it more than just a sports biopic—it’s a universal story about fighting for one’s dreams against all odds.

The film also shines a light on the early days of professional wrestling, a world often overshadowed by its modern glitz and glamour. By focusing on Burke’s contributions, Queen of the Ring pays homage to the women who paved the way for today’s wrestling icons like Charlotte Flair, Sasha Banks, and Becky Lynch.

The Director’s Vision

Directed by Sarah Polley (Women Talking), Queen of the Ring promises a nuanced portrayal of Mildred Burke’s life. Polley, known for her ability to balance emotional storytelling with powerful visuals, brings a fresh perspective to the sports drama genre. The trailer showcases her talent for capturing both the visceral intensity of wrestling matches and the quieter, introspective moments that define Burke’s character.

Polley’s focus on authenticity is evident in every frame of the trailer, from the period-accurate costumes and set designs to the raw, unfiltered depiction of wrestling as a grueling, physically demanding profession. Her collaboration with Rickards appears to be a match made in cinematic heaven, with both women bringing their A-game to honor Burke’s legacy.

What to Expect from the Film

Wrestling Sequences

The trailer promises meticulously choreographed wrestling sequences that capture the brutality and theatricality of the sport. Unlike modern wrestling, which often relies on high-flying stunts and elaborate storylines, Queen of the Ring portrays wrestling in its raw, unpolished form, staying true to the sport’s early days.

Emotional Storytelling

At its core, Queen of the Ring is a character-driven story. It explores the complexities of Burke’s life, from her professional triumphs to her personal struggles. Audiences can expect a deeply emotional narrative that delves into the sacrifices Burke made for her career and the impact of those sacrifices on her relationships and self-worth.

A Feminist Perspective

The film positions Burke as a feminist icon, highlighting her fight against the sexism and exploitation of her era. It’s a timely reminder of how far women’s wrestling—and women in general—have come, and how much further there is to go.

Why Mildred Burke’s Story Matters

Mildred Burke is more than just a figure from wrestling history; she’s a symbol of perseverance and courage. Her story is one that transcends sport, offering inspiration to anyone who has ever had to fight for their place in the world. Queen of the Ring not only ensures that her legacy is preserved but also introduces her to a new generation of fans who may not be familiar with her contributions to wrestling and women’s rights.

The trailer for Queen of the Ring sets the stage for a powerful, emotionally resonant film that celebrates the life of Mildred Burke while addressing broader themes of resilience, sexism, and the pursuit of dreams. With Emily Bett Rickards delivering what could be a career-defining performance and Sarah Polley at the helm, the film promises to be both a compelling sports drama and an intimate character study.

As audiences await the film’s release, one thing is clear: Queen of the Ring is not just a wrestling movie; it’s a tribute to a woman who changed the game and a reminder that true legends are made, not born.

 

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