Emily Bett Rickards and Ash Avildsen Talk ‘Queen of the Ring‘, a biopic of the legendary women’s wrestler Mildred Burke and rise in the male dominated industry.
Sadly, I wasn’t able to attend the world premiere at the Newport Beach Film Festival, but Ash Avildsen and I were finally able to make this happen. It was also incredible to see Emily Bett Rickards again; the last time we spoke was at San Diego Comic-Con for the final season of ‘Arrow‘. Reconnecting with her and celebrating the power of this film together was truly special.
‘Queen of the Ring‘ is more than just a sports drama. It’s the powerful, true story of Mildred Burke, a woman who defied all odds in the 1930s to become the first million-dollar female athlete by dominating the male-dominated world of professional wrestling. At a time when women’s wrestling was virtually unheard of, and often illegal in much of the United States, Mildred’s relentless courage, determination, and tenacity changed the face of the sport forever.
Based on Jeff Leen’s Pulitzer Prize-winning book, the film follows Mildred’s incredible journey—starting as a single mother wrestling men at carnivals, to revolutionizing the sport, and breaking societal and gender barriers that seemed impossible to overcome. Her story is not just about wrestling; it’s about defying expectations, confronting adversity, and forging a path for women in a world that wasn’t ready for them. This is a story of grit, perseverance, and triumph that resonates beyond wrestling.
Written and directed by Ash Avildsen, ‘Queen of the Ring‘ features a stellar ensemble cast led by Emily Bett Rickards in the role of Mildred Burke. Emily’s portrayal of Mildred is nothing short of captivating, bringing to life the strength, vulnerability, and resilience that defined Mildred’s journey. The film also co-stars Josh Lucas as Burkes’ husband, wrestling promoter Billy Wolfe, Francesca Eastwood as the legendary Mae Young, and Walton Goggins as the head of the National Wrestling Alliance, Jack Pfefer.
The cast also includes Tyler Posey, Marie Avgeropoulos, Deborah Ann Woll, Cara Buono, Adam Demos, Martin Kove, Kelli Berglund,), Damaris Lewis, AEW Superstars Kamille and Toni Storm, WWE Superstar Naomi and Gavin Casalegno. Together, they bring to life the personal and professional challenges Mildred faced, from her tumultuous relationship with her ex-husband and manager, to her relentless drive to bring diversity and inclusivity to the sport, helping women of color break into wrestling as well.
‘Queen of the Ring‘ is more than just a film about wrestling—it’s a tribute to a woman whose courage and determination shaped the future of female athletes everywhere. The story captures not only the golden age of professional wrestling but also the sacrifices Mildred made—both personally and professionally—to create a lasting legacy for future generations of women who would follow in her footsteps.
‘Queen of the Ring‘is a celebration of what it means to be a pioneer, a fighter, and a true trailblazer. It’s a reminder that no matter the challenges, one woman’s unwavering belief in herself can change the course of history.
Opening in select theaters nationwide on March 7, 2025, ‘Queen of the Ring‘ releases just in time for International Women’s Day, a fitting tribute to the trailblazing spirit of Mildred Burke.
