Claressa Shields’s remarkable life journey is brought to life in the film The Fire Inside. The project commenced in 2016 when Universal Pictures began developing an adaptation based on the 2015 documentary T-Rex, which chronicles the Olympic Gold Medalist boxer’s inspirational rise. After several years and notable production setbacks, particularly due to the COVID-19 pandemic, The Fire Inside found its footing with Amazon MGM Studios, paving the way for its much-anticipated release.
Describing Shields’s journey as “never looking back” perfectly encapsulates her path from Flint, Michigan, to international boxing stardom. During her teenage years, while training rigorously, she not only excelled in sports but also became a trailblazer for equality in women’s athletics. Upon winning her Olympic gold medal, she paved the way for future generations of female athletes.
In conjunction with the film’s release, Shields sat down with ScreenRant to share insights into her creative collaboration with actress Ryan Destiny, the mental shifts after her Olympic Trials upset against Savannah Marshall, and her enduring relationship with Coach Jason Crutchfield.
The Fire Inside Is “98 Percent”Exactly As It Happened
“I was very raw and uncut…”
ScreenRant: Sharing personal experiences through film can leave one feeling exposed. Sometimes viewers desire more sensational narratives than the events that transpired. What aspects of your story did you feel were crucial to present accurately?
Claressa Shields: Everything. I approached discussing my upbringing and relationships with total transparency. I found it essential to be honest, as authenticity allows people to connect with my experiences. Thus, I prioritized keeping the story real—about 95, perhaps even 98 percent of The Fire Inside reflects my true life.
Claressa Shields Let Ryan Destiny Cook
“I’m going to stay out of your way, let me know if you need me…”
How did your collaboration with Ryan Destiny shape her portrayal of you in the film?
Claressa Shields: I did not need to intervene much. Ryan and I discussed key elements, emphasizing that authenticity in boxing was paramount because I take pride in being recognized as the greatest of all time (the GOAT). Ryan’s dedication during training was impressive—she committed to gaining muscle, eating healthily, and preparing physically for the role. I encouraged her, saying I’d remain available if needed, but I had full faith in her capabilities. We only had a few discussions, primarily regarding my relationship with my mother. Ryan truly did an excellent job portraying me, and I can’t praise her enough.
Reflecting on your first fight with Savannah Marshall, could you share your mental transition leading up to and after the bout?
Claressa Shields: To be honest, I never felt defeated by Savannah. Reviewing the match repeatedly, I couldn’t grasp how my score was so low. Returning to training, I was fueled by a renewed determination. I adopted a focused regimen—prioritized nutrition and intense training—ready to reclaim my titles at the Olympics. That experience intensified my resolve, despite public doubt in my abilities after just one loss. I was determined to prove I was better than that.
Claressa and Coach Jason Remain Friends To This Day
“We were both just in LA at the premiere, all we did was laugh…”
What is the current state of your relationship with Coach Jason?
Claressa Shields: Our bond remains strong. We still check in with each other regularly. He is a supportive presence at my fights, and there’s a lot of mutual respect and gratitude. We recently laughed together at the LA premiere, reminiscing about our journey. It’s incredible to see how far we’ve come from the initial documentary concept to now having a feature film release from MGM.
About The Fire Inside
THE FIRE INSIDE chronicles Claressa Shields’s inspiring journey to become a world-class boxer and the first American woman to claim an Olympic gold medal in the sport. As she confronts the complexities of success, Shields navigates the challenges and realities that accompany her triumphs, indicating that the most significant battles often begin after the medals are awarded.
Watch the official trailer here
The Fire Inside is now screening in theaters.
Source: ScreenRant Plus
For more insights, stay tuned for upcoming interviews featuring…
- Brian Tyree Henry & Ryan Destiny
- Rachel Morrison
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