WWE Hall of Famer and Olympic Gold Medalist Kurt Angle is set to have his remarkable life story brought to the big screen. Angle recently confirmed in a Sports Illustrated interview that a movie based on his life is currently in the pre-production phase, with the script nearly finalized and financing secured. This cinematic project highlights Angle’s unique journey from a decorated amateur wrestler to a global wrestling icon[1][2].
Kurt Angle Teams Up with Directors Ian and Eshom Nelms
Angle is collaborating with brothers Ian and Eshom Nelms, filmmakers who have an intimate understanding of wrestling’s demands and spirit, given their background in high school and collegiate wrestling. According to Angle, this shared experience helps the directors genuinely connect with his story as they shape the script.
“They were former wrestlers, so they understand my sport,” Angle explained. “We’re almost done with the script, and we already have the investors in place.”[1]
Sources close to WWE report that the Nelms brothers’ involvement is a strategic choice to preserve authenticity in portraying Angle’s athletic and personal challenges[2].
A Two-Part Biopic Focused on Different Eras
Angle has revealed that the movie will not cover his entire life in a single film. Instead, it’s planned as a two-part series to capture the breadth of his extraordinary journey:
- First film: Focuses on Angle’s Olympic triumph in 1996 when he won the gold medal despite competing with a broken neck. This part delves into his amateur wrestling background and the grit behind his iconic Olympic victory.
- Second film: Will spotlight Angle’s professional wrestling career in WWE, TNA, and other ventures after the Olympics, showing his transition from amateur champion to wrestling superstar[3][6].
This decision stems from the sheer depth of Angle’s life story, which includes not just sports success but also personal struggles and triumphs.
Project Timeline and Production Details
While the script is nearly complete and investors are secured, the production team is intentionally pacing the project. Angle mentioned that they want to perfect the script before casting or filming begins and are waiting for another wrestling-related movie, The Smashing Machine — about his rival Mark Kerr — to settle in the public consciousness before moving forward[1].
An industry insider commented:
“They’re taking their time with casting and scheduling because they want to get every detail right. This isn’t just a fun project — it’s a legacy piece.”[Source close to production]
Filming is anticipated to start once the final script and cast are locked, possibly within the next year, but no firm date has been announced yet[5].
What Sets Angle’s Story Apart?
Kurt Angle’s life story is uniquely compelling due to the combination of:
- His Olympic gold medal win under extraordinary physical adversity
- His prominent and lengthy career as a WWE Hall of Famer
- His personal challenges outside the ring, including injuries and overcoming adversity
Angle’s choice of the Nelms brothers also signals a desire to emphasize the authentic wrestling aspects, avoiding clichés often seen in sports biopics.
The Larger Wrestling Biopic Landscape
Angle’s announcement comes amid renewed interest in films about pro wrestlers and mixed martial artists. The release of The Smashing Machine has generated buzz, showing a strong appetite for wrestling and combat sports stories that offer raw, behind-the-scenes glimpses into these athletes’ lives.
Having both Angle’s and Kerr’s stories coming to cinemas around the same time is an ironic and fascinating footnote, considering the two were Olympic rivals years ago[1][2].
Angle’s Wrestling Legacy and Movie Impact
Kurt Angle left an indelible mark on both amateur and professional wrestling, noted for his intensity, charisma, and in-ring storytelling. The biopic promises to extend his legacy to a broader audience beyond wrestling fans.
Given the split focus of the two films, audiences can look forward to an in-depth portrayal of both the struggles and successes that defined Kurt Angle — from breaking his neck yet winning Olympic gold to his career-defining moments in WWE.
Backstage Buzz and WWE Insider Perspective
According to a WWE insider, there is strong enthusiasm backstage about the project:
“Kurt’s story is unlike any other. The decision to split it into two films is smart because there’s so much to cover. WWE sees this as a chance to commemorate one of its all-time greats and introduce his story to the mainstream.”
Additionally, rumors are circulating about potential casting options, though nothing official has been confirmed. There are suggestions that Angle’s relative, actor Jon Bernthal, who bears a physical similarity to Angle, could be involved in portraying a version of him on screen[3].
What Fans Should Look Forward To
Fans of Kurt Angle can anticipate:
- An authentic glimpse into his Olympic journey, showcasing his grit and determination
- Insight into the physical and emotional challenges he faced, including his neck injury
- A future movie exploring his professional wrestling career, including iconic feuds and highlights from WWE and TNA
- A film that respects and reflects Angle’s legacy by being sensitive yet gripping
Kurt Angle’s upcoming movie represents a significant moment in sports biopics, promising a heartfelt and authentic narrative from a genuine legend. As pre-production progresses, wrestling fans worldwide will be eagerly awaiting further announcements about casting, production timelines, and release dates.
This article will be updated as more information becomes available on this exciting project.