Speculation around a Pierce Brosnan return to James Bond feels far more plausible after witnessing his commanding performance in 'Giant', a powerful new boxing drama that premiered at the London Film Festival. The former 007, now 72, takes on the role of legendary Sheffield trainer Brendan Ingle, delivering a performance of remarkable depth and physicality.
Brosnan's Transformative Performance as Brendan Ingle
Brosnan portrays Ingle across various ages, capturing the complex character of the man who dedicated his life to honing the raw talent of Prince Naseem Hamed. The film explores their intense partnership, which propelled Naseem to become the first British Muslim World Champion. Brosnan masterfully conveys Ingle's duality—his genuine kindness and his swollen ego—while hinting at a childhood trauma that drives his relentless search for validation. In one of the film's most striking moments, Brosnan even spars in the ring with a man decades his junior, a testament to the actor's enduring physical presence.
A Truthful, Unsentimental Portrayal of a Boxing Icon
Director Rowan Athale avoids excessive sentimentality, presenting a warts-and-all depiction of Prince Naseem's rise. Amir El-Masry is fantastic as the professional-age Naseem, making audiences both cheer for and fear the flamboyant boxer as his relationship with Ingle deteriorates. The film doesn't shy away from showing Naseem's showboating and provocative behaviour, accurately reflecting the '90s era where such antics were often celebrated. The pair's eventual fallout over money is poignantly framed by the real-life fact that they never reconciled before Ingle's death in 2018.
Standout Supporting Cast and Period Authenticity
The film is bolstered by impeccable supporting performances. Toby Stephens, reuniting with his former Bond co-star Brosnan, is brilliantly un-woke as promoter Frank Warren, a capital-L 'Lad' obsessed with getting Naseem on the cover of FHM with fast cars and girls. Stephens' affected Cockney accent adds a layer of darkly comic relief to the drama of two fundamentally decent but flawed men. This balance allows Giant to stand tall among recent great boxing films.
'Giant' arrives in UK cinemas on 9 January. While Athale's plot is occasionally neat, the film's compelling performances and honest storytelling pack a serious punch, making it a must-see for sports drama fans and a potent reminder of Pierce Brosnan's formidable talent beyond the tuxedo.
