Brian Tyree Henry and Ryan Destiny are making headlines with their new film, The Fire Inside. Henry has enjoyed a remarkable ascent in his career, leveraging his breakout role from the series Atlanta into prominent parts in major franchises such as the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Godzilla x Kong, and Transformers. Meanwhile, Ryan Destiny is stepping into the spotlight for her leading role in The Fire Inside, a performance that garnered significant acclaim during its festival circuit debut last fall.
Destiny shines as Claressa Shields in The Fire Inside, portraying a formidable force in boxing and showcasing her journey from a teenage athlete to a two-time Olympic Gold Medalist and four-weight world champion. The film dives deep into Shields’s formative years leading up to her Olympic aspirations, alongside her coach Jason Crutchfield, played by Henry. The narrative explores their relationship, highlighting how Crutchfield becomes a pivotal father figure in Shields’s life.
As The Fire Inside gears up for its theatrical release, ScreenRant had the opportunity to chat with both Henry and Destiny about the invaluable keepsakes in their lives that resonate with Shields’s gold medal, Destiny’s approach to crafting her character as a relatable hero, and Henry’s prospects regarding a sequel to Transformers One.
Henry & Destiny Discuss Their Priceless Keepsakes
Keepsakes from Jewelry to Family Albums
ScreenRant: There’s a poignant moment in the film where Claressa considers pawning her gold medal, only to be stopped by her mother. Do either of you have a possession that you would deem priceless, regardless of financial circumstances?
Brian Tyree Henry: I suppose I would if I weren’t so thrifty!
Ryan Destiny: Honestly, same here (laughs).
Brian Tyree Henry: My mother cherished costume jewelry, much of which she sourced from consignment shops. There’s a particular necklace she wore often, and when she passed, I went through her belongings. I was drawn to her jewelry, especially this necklace. Although it might have had a modest value of around $20 or $30, to me, it’s priceless. I hang it over a photo of her in my home. I used to wear it during interviews, and its significance has only intensified with my career achievements. It’s something I’ll never part with, no matter the offer.
Ryan Destiny: That resonates; my family has a collection of photo albums filled with physical photographs—my baby pictures, those of my grandparents, and more. The thought of losing that physical collection without a digital backup is terrifying to me.
Brian Tyree Henry: And I still hold onto my 1988 original Nintendo. It still works—I even have to blow on the cartridges!
Destiny Infuses “Humanity”into Shields’s Character
Exploring the Depths of Claressa Shields
Claressa, as a character, may not initially appear as the most relatable hero since she experiences frequent triumphs and embraces her aggressive nature. Ryan, how did you ensure audiences still root for her?
Ryan Destiny: It’s all about portraying her humanity. I realized there were layers to Claressa that are often overlooked. Accessing archival footage of her as a teen revealed her essence—her spirit and kindness. She has a genuine love for her community and is deeply connected to her siblings and parents. Highlighting these facets was crucial for viewers to relate on a human level, not merely seeing her victories. Focusing on her vulnerabilities made the narrative even more impactful and enjoyable for me to portray.
Henry Expresses Hope for a Sequel to Transformers One
Awaiting Megatron and Optimus’s Next Moves
Brian, I wish to thank you for reviving my childhood memories with Transformers One earlier this summer. It truly resonated with me. Is there a possibility for a sequel in the works?
Brian Tyree Henry: You can’t title it Transformers One without planning for a Transformers Two. We still have the stories of Megatron and Optimus to explore!
About The Fire Inside
The Fire Inside is a compelling retelling of the true story of Claressa Shields, recognized as one of the finest female boxers in history. Hailing from Flint, Michigan, Claressa is a high school junior whose supportive coach, Jason Crutchfield, helps her break through numerous barriers to become the first American woman to clinch an Olympic gold medal in boxing. Nevertheless, achieving her dreams reveals that the fight extends beyond mere victories, and the true struggle is only beginning.
- Claressa Shields
- Rachel Morrison
Source: ScreenRant Plus
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