UFC flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko is one of the top pound-for-pound fighters in the sport, but now she’ll seek to be just as dominant in Hollywood after filming her first major role for the upcoming film “Bruised.”
The first trailer for the film was released on Thursday, which features Shevchenko as the primary antagonist going up against Oscar winner Halle Berry, which will debut on Netflix on Nov. 24.
In the film, Berry plays washed up ex-UFC fighter Jackie Justice, who was once considered a great but ultimately left the sport in disgrace. Here’s the official synopsis for the film from Netflix:
“Down on her luck and simmering with rage and regret years after her fight, she’s coaxed into a brutal underground fight by her manager and boyfriend Desi (Adan Canto) and grabs the attention of a fight league promoter (Shamier Anderson) who promises Jackie a life back in the octagon. But the road to redemption becomes unexpectedly personal when Manny (Danny Boyd, Jr.) — the son she gave up as an infant — shows up at her doorstep.”
“Bruised” serves as Berry’s directorial debut after she initially signed onto star in the project and then decided to go behind the camera as well to lead the film.
Shevchenko not only starred in the movie alongside Berry, but she also helped with the technical aspect of the fight scenes, including intense training and sparring sessions with the actress to prepare her to look like a real MMA fighter.
The final result is “Bruised,” which will debut worldwide on Netflix in November. But for now, take a look at the new trailer and get a glimpse of Shevchenko in her first starring role.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EMu8K0l8ggA
