London-based production house Fulwell 73 has announce the beginning of production on “Benn v Eubank,” a feature film telling the incredible story of Britain’s greatest and most controversial rival boxer, loved and loathed by the public in equal measures: Chris Eubank and Nigel Benn.
The film chronicles their individual journeys and the hatred they had for each other that culminated in two bouts that defined not only their respective careers, but British boxing, for a decade.
From the late-80s until the mid-90s Chris Eubank and Nigel Benn thrilled British fight fans and the wider public as well. No one was ambivalent about either of them; everyone was captivated by both of them, and their bloody battles remain among the greatest of all-time, legendary fights that live long in the memory, the kind of rare events that everyone remembers where they were when they took place.
“Benn-Eubank” though, is not just about rivalry but also identity, two mavericks, as similar as they were different, fighting and finding out through their mutual hatred for one another to discover who they really were.
“Benn v Eubank” will be directed and co-written by Kieron Hawkes. Daniel Harris will co-write.
“Benn v Eubank” will be produced by Fulwell 73’s Leo Pearlman and financed in conjunction with Julian Bird at Lorton Entertainment, a UK Financing, Production and Distribution entity founded by Julian Bird and a consortium of private financiers.
Leo Pearlman, partner at Fulwell 73 says: “We all remember exactly where we were and how we felt when Nigel Benn and Chris Eubank fought their two epic battles, our aim is to bring back those memories and feelings, to remind people just why they remain two of the most compelling characters in British sports history. In order to do so we’ve put together a true dream team for this feature project. In Lorton we have financiers who are progressive and aggressive in their thinking and attitude to film finance. In our co writer Daniel Harris we have one of the most original and exciting sports writers in the UK, someone with a visceral and highly visual style. Whilst in our director and co writer Kieron Hawkes we have a unique talent, someone highly sought after and perfectly suited to the telling of this story.”
Kieron Hawkes, director and co-writer says: “Benn and Eubank’s rivalry was palpable and defined an era. I watched the whole thing playout when I was a kid, and to now be involved in bringing it to life through cinema is completely thrilling. This film will be modern British cinema at its best: dangerous, relevant and necessary. I can’t wait to work with Fulwell again, and Lorton to bring this unique story to the screen.”
Fulwell 73, set up in 2005 by lifelong friends Ben Winston, Leo Pearlman, Ben Turner and Gabe Turner, strives to make top-quality television and film productions. The company first came to the public’s attention in September 2007 with the release of its debut feature “In the Hands of the Gods” (Lionsgate). Since then, Fulwell 73 has produced many films and television programs across different genres. Its most recent theatrical film releases include: the most successful sports documentary of all time, ”The Class of 92” (Universal Pictures); the huge box office hit “One Direction 3D: This is Us” (Sony/Columbia); and the bestselling independent film of Q4 2014 “Guvnors” (Metrodome). They also count “I Am Bolt” (released globally through Universal) as one of their productions.
