Filming Wraps For Michael Watson’s Biopic ‘The Force’
Filming is over for “The Force: The Michael Watson Story,” a portrayal of the rivalry and reconciliation between Michael Watson and Chris Eubank Sr.
Directed by Sean Cronin, the biopic captures Watson’s rise as a world-class middleweight, centering on the 1991 rematch with Eubank Sr. The film focuses on the 12th round, where Watson collapsed following a barrage of punches, a moment that fundamentally changed the trajectory of his life and the sport of boxing. Watson would spend 40-days in coma, but his recovery was inspirational.
- Legal case: A key focus of the film is Watson’s successful legal challenge against the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBoC). The courtroom victory mandated the presence of neurosurgeons and ambulances at ringside.
- The recovery: Watson famously completed the London Marathon, as the film shows the triumph over his injuries.
- Victor Hugo (Gemini Man): Portrays Michael Watson.
- Michael Gukas: Stars as Chris Eubank Sr.
Watson’s Struggles
“After the accident it took me a long time to face up to reality. One minute I was a top celebrity, in the ring going for the ultimate prize. The next minute, blank… I woke up in a hospital ward with strange people all around me. I was totally confused and terribly frustrated. Before my accident, even though I believed in God I didn’t go to Church because it didn’t suit my image. I was too wrapped up in the pleasures of the world – fast cars, expensive clothes, girls.
“But from the moment I regained consciousness in hospital I took refuge in God. I prayed for strength, and I prayed for Chris Eubank. I knew he was suffering. If you’ve got a heart – and he has – you can never be the same after something like this happens. I didn’t feel any anger toward him because it could have happened either way. You have to let bygones be bygones. Getting angry won’t correct the past. Instead, I knew I had to concentrate on the future and look to starting a new life,” Watson said
Pictures
Credit: Magnificent Films, Matchroom
Credit: Magnificent Films, Matchroom
Credit: Magnificent Films, Matchroom
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