In the gritty underbelly of Detroit’s boxing scene, where dreams are forged in sweat and shattered in blood, Uppercut delivers a powerful story of second chances and unbreakable spirit. Directed by rising star Malik Vitthal (Imperial Dreams), this drama-thriller stars Ving Rhames as Elliott Duffond, a retired boxing legend turned reluctant mentor, and Luise Großmann as Toni Williams, a fiery young fighter with a chip on her shoulder and a secret that could destroy her career. When a shocking betrayal threatens to derail Toni’s shot at the title, Elliott must confront his own demons to help her rise above the chaos. With a pulse-pounding score by Terence Blanchard (BlacKkKlansman) and visceral fight choreography by Creed’s Clayton Barber, Uppercut is a knockout blend of heart, grit, and raw emotion.
Set against the backdrop of Detroit’s revitalization, the film explores themes of systemic inequality, personal redemption, and the unyielding power of hope. From the roar of the crowd to the quiet moments of vulnerability, Uppercut is a love letter to the fighters—inside and outside the ring.
Uppercut: Who’s Who in the Cast?
Ving Rhames as Elliott Duffond
Ving Rhames (born May 12, 1959), the iconic actor behind Pulp Fiction’s Marsellus Wallace and Mission: Impossible’s Luther Stickell, delivers a career-best performance as Elliott, a man haunted by past mistakes but determined to make amends. Rhames’ commanding presence and emotional depth, seen in Rosewood (1997) and Don King: Only in America (1997), anchor the film’s exploration of mentorship and redemption.
Rhames trained with real boxing coaches to embody Elliott’s physicality and spent time in Detroit to understand the city’s resilience. “Elliott’s not just teaching Toni to fight—he’s teaching her to survive,” Rhames says. Off-screen, he supports youth boxing programs, reflecting Elliott’s commitment to giving back.
Luise Großmann as Toni Williams
Luise Großmann (born June 3, 1995), a breakout star of German cinema (The Silent Revolution), makes her Hollywood debut as Toni, a scrappy underdog with a ferocious left hook. Großmann’s athletic background (she’s a former competitive swimmer) and dramatic training shine in Toni’s journey from street brawler to championship contender.
Großmann trained for months with professional boxers, enduring grueling workouts to perfect Toni’s fighting style. “Toni’s not just fighting for herself—she’s fighting for everyone who’s been counted out,” she says. A feminist advocate, Großmann pushed for Toni’s story to highlight the challenges faced by women in male-dominated sports.
Jordan E. Cooper as Payne Harris
Jordan E. Cooper (born August 12, 1990), the Tony-nominated playwright and star of Ain’t No Mo’, brings razor-sharp wit and vulnerability to Payne, Toni’s estranged brother and a rising sports journalist. Cooper’s ability to balance humor and heartbreak, honed on Broadway, makes Payne a standout character.
“Payne’s trying to tell Toni’s story, but he’s got his own story to tell,” Cooper says. A champion of Black storytelling, he infuses Payne’s arc with cultural commentary and personal stakes.
Joanna Cassidy as Rita Stooth
Joanna Cassidy (born August 2, 1945), the Golden Globe-winning actress (Blade Runner, Six Feet Under), plays Rita, Elliott’s sharp-tongued ex-wife and Toni’s unexpected ally. Cassidy’s ability to blend toughness and tenderness adds depth to Rita’s complex relationship with Elliott.
“Rita’s the glue holding this fractured family together,” Cassidy says. A lifelong animal rights activist, she parallels Rita’s protective instincts.
Scott Monahan as Referee
Scott Monahan (The Wolf of Wall Street), a character actor known for his gritty roles, portrays the no-nonsense referee who becomes an unlikely mentor to Toni. Monahan’s authenticity, honed in indie films like Heaven Knows What (2014), grounds the film’s boxing scenes.
“The referee’s the unsung hero of the ring,” Monahan says. A former amateur boxer, he performed all his own stunts.
Andrew Ibach as Philipp
Andrew Ibach (The Deuce), a rising star in indie cinema, plays Philipp, Toni’s loyal but conflicted trainer. Ibach’s quiet intensity and chemistry with Großmann make Philipp a fan favorite.
“Philipp’s torn between loyalty and ambition,” Ibach explains. A fitness enthusiast, he trained alongside Großmann to build their on-screen rapport.
Lynn Favin as The Cellist
Lynn Favin (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel), a classically trained musician, appears as the enigmatic cellist whose haunting performances underscore Toni’s emotional journey. Favin’s real-life talent adds authenticity to the film’s evocative score.
“The cellist is the soul of the story,” Favin says. A mentor to young musicians, she parallels Toni’s quest for artistic expression.
Manny Ayala as Mitch
Manny Ayala (Mayans M.C.), a veteran of gritty dramas, plays Mitch, a shady promoter with ties to Detroit’s underworld. Ayala’s ability to balance charm and menace makes Mitch a compelling antagonist.
“Mitch’s not the villain—he’s just playing the game,” Ayala says. A former boxer, he brings firsthand knowledge of the sport’s darker side.
Biko Eisen-Martin as Darius
Biko Eisen-Martin (The Chi), a rising star in Chicago theater, portrays Darius, Toni’s childhood friend and confidant. Eisen-Martin’s natural charisma and emotional depth make Darius a grounding presence.
“Darius is the heart of Toni’s world,” Eisen-Martin says. A poet and activist, he infuses the role with cultural resonance.
Cedric Brandon Jones as Reporter
Cedric Brandon Jones (Atlanta), a versatile character actor, plays the ambitious reporter covering Toni’s rise to fame. Jones’ sharp wit and journalistic background add authenticity to the role.
“The reporter’s chasing the story, but he’s also chasing the truth,” Jones says. A former journalist, he consulted with sports reporters to prepare.
Why Uppercut Packs a Punch
With its powerhouse cast, visceral fight scenes, and heartfelt storytelling, Uppercut is more than a sports drama—it’s a rallying cry for resilience. Don’t miss its theatrical debut on February 28, 2025, where every punch tells a story.
