AceShowbiz - Giant is quietly carving out a strong presence on streaming platforms, drawing comparisons to classic underdog sports dramas. This biographical sports film centers on the legendary British boxer Naseem Hamed and his transformative partnership with trainer Brendan Ingle, highlighting themes of mentorship, perseverance, and overcoming adversity.

The movie is produced by an impressive team that includes Hollywood icon Sylvester Stallone, who is well-known for creating the iconic boxing hero Rocky Balboa. Stallone’s passion for boxing and underdog stories continues through his production company Balboa Productions, which backs Giant alongside producers Braden Aftergood, Alastair Burlingham, Patrick Fischer, Stuart Ford, and Zach Garrett.

Giant premiered at the BFI London Film Festival in October 2025 and later saw a theatrical release in the UK on January 9, 2026. The film’s casting went through notable changes during production. Initially, Paddy Considine, known for his role in House of the Dragon, was set to play Brendan Ingle. However, the role eventually went to Pierce Brosnan, famous for his portrayal of James Bond. Meanwhile, the lead role of Naseem Hamed was originally considered for Mena Massoud of Aladdin fame, but ultimately went to Amir El-Masry, who has a strong following from the TV series Industry.

Directed and written by Rowan Athale, Giant tells the story of Hamed’s rise from Sheffield’s working-class streets to global boxing stardom. The film explores his unique fighting style, brash personality, and the challenges of facing Islamophobia and racism in 1980s and 1990s Britain. The official synopsis states: "Giant follows Prince Naseem Hamed from his humble beginnings on the tough working-class streets of Sheffield and his discovery by Ingle, himself a steel industry worker turned boxing trainer. Their unlikely partnership, Naz's unorthodox style, cocky persona, and sheer dominance in the ring propelled them to the top of boxing's elite and unprecedented levels of global superstardom, all in the face of the rampant Islamophobia and racism of '80s and 90's Britain."

Giant received positive early reviews following its festival premiere. Critics have praised the film’s compelling narrative and strong performances, particularly highlighting Pierce Brosnan. Express Online dubbed it "the UK's answer to Rocky," while SPORF described Brosnan’s portrayal of Ingle as "superb." On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a 61% critics’ rating. Ireland Magazine’s Mick Jordan called it "a thoroughly engrossing story, very well told, fuelled by the great chemistry between Brosnan and Amir El-Masry." Radio Times’ James Mottram noted that despite Stallone’s involvement, the film carries a more melancholic tone than the classic Rocky films, which adds to its depth and emotional resonance.

The film is currently available for purchase or rental on Premium Video On Demand (PVOD) services such as Apple TV, Sky Store, Amazon Video, and Rakuten TV. It has gained significant popularity on Rakuten TV, ranking among the most-purchased titles in both the UK and Ireland. In the United States, Vertical Entertainment holds the distribution rights and plans a theatrical release in 2026, with streaming availability expected to follow.

Through Giant, Stallone and his collaborators continue to honor the spirit of boxing underdog tales, blending real-life drama with cinematic storytelling. The film’s focus on a unique sporting icon and the social challenges he faced provides a fresh and compelling addition to the genre, appealing to fans of sports biopics and inspirational narratives alike.

As streaming platforms continue to embrace diverse and nuanced sports dramas, Giant is positioned to become a standout title. Its portrayal of determination, cultural barriers, and the bond between fighter and trainer offers viewers a rich, emotionally charged experience that resonates beyond the boxing ring.

Keep an eye out for updates on the film’s wider release and streaming availability in the US, as Giant is poised to expand its audience and capture the hearts of sports movie enthusiasts worldwide.