Ash Avildsen’s Queen of the Ring delves into the world of professional wrestling, chronicling the fierce battles, personal struggles, and groundbreaking achievements of the women who paved the way for future generations. At the heart of the film is the legendary Mildred Burke (played by Emily Bett Rickards), a trailblazing figure in the wrestling industry, whose determination and resilience reshaped the sport. Alongside her is the iconic Mae Young, a powerhouse performer who refused to be sidelined in a male-dominated arena, fighting her way through decades of evolving wrestling history. Bringing this fearless and larger-than-life personality to the screen is Francesca Eastwood, who takes on the challenge of embodying Mae Young’s unmatched charisma, physicality, and unbreakable spirit.
Eastwood entered the entertainment industry at a very young age, thanks to her father, legendary Hollywood icon Clint Eastwood. She gradually carved out her path, taking on diverse roles in film and television, showcasing her talent beyond the influence of her famous surname. In Queen of the Ring, the actor delivers a stupendous performance, fully embodying Young’s fearless spirit, unwavering determination, and larger-than-life charisma. Coastal House Media journalist Aayush Sharma sat down with Eastwood to discuss her approach to portraying such a legendary figure, the intense physical and emotional preparation required for the role, and the unique dynamic she shared with co-star Emily Bett Rickards, who plays Mildred Burke. Queen of the Ring not only showcases the dramatic highs and lows of women’s wrestling but also explores the personal sacrifices and unwavering ambition that defined the wrestler’s career. Eastwood shared insights on the film’s powerful themes of perseverance and representation, the historical significance of Young’s legacy, and the immersive experience of bringing this story to life.
Francesca Eastwood in a still from Queen of the Ring (Photo Courtesy: X/@QOTRmovie)
Here’s the full interview:
Aayush Sharma: Mae Young was a true pioneer in professional wrestling, known for her incredible toughness and resilience. Portraying such a legendary and larger-than-life figure requires a deep understanding of both her physicality and the unwavering spirit she brought to the ring. How did you tap into her fearless personality and larger-than-life charisma to bring authenticity to your portrayal?
Francesa Eastwood: I have always dreamed of playing a real person, and this was my first opportunity to do so. And what an opportunity it was—what a woman, what a career, what a life. It was incredibly intimidating because she was such a Spitfire, such a pioneer. With so much information available about her and so many dedicated fans, I felt a deep obligation to deliver the best portrayal I possibly could. Before every shoot, I would remind myself of what she had—her free spirit, her confidence. That was the key. I’d think, “What would May do? Would May care about how she looked? Would May care about what others thought?” Her love for her craft was unwavering throughout her life, and that, more than anything, is what made me fall in love with her.
Aayush Sharma: Wrestling is a unique blend of athleticism and performance, requiring a heightened sense of showmanship to engage audiences. At the same time, a biopic demands emotional depth and authenticity to truly capture the essence of its subject. How did you navigate the balance between the theatricality of wrestling and the grounded, intimate storytelling required for a biopic?
Francesca Eastwood: I had a lot of support when it came to the physicality of the role. I knew very little about wrestling and, more importantly, how performance and physicality combined in the sport. This role gave me a great opportunity to spend a significant amount of time preparing for that aspect. Beyond that, I focused as much as possible on understanding who this woman was at that age. There’s so much information about her later years—she’s given countless interviews, and I’ve watched every piece of footage I could find. But interpreting who she was when she was younger, just starting out, was the real challenge. I wanted to do the best job I could in capturing that.
Aayush Sharma: Mae Young was one of the rare wrestlers who competed across multiple eras, from the rough-and-tumble carnival circuit to the high-octane spectacle of the Attitude Era. When studying her journey, what aspect of her perseverance stood out to you the most?
Francesa Eastwood: One thing I knew about her was that she was openly gay at a time when that was almost unheard of. To live so openly required an incredible amount of bravery, toughness, and self-confidence—qualities I can only imagine were essential for her during that era. That aspect of her life was very important to me. Another key element I focused on came from observing her later years and listening to the younger women in wrestling who spoke about her. She was an incredible mentor—so giving, so supportive, and such a team player. Her generosity and leadership within the sport stood out, and that was something I wanted to capture as well.
Emily Bett Rickards, Francesca Eastwood, and Gavin Casalegno in ‘Queen of the Ring’ (Photo Courtesy: X/@QueenoftheRing)
Aayush Sharma: How did you and Emily Bett develop your on-screen chemistry to authentically portray the dynamic between Mae Young and Mildred Burke, given their deep respect and competitive edge in the wrestling world?
Francesca Eastwood: Just thinking about Emily’s performance gives me chills—she was absolutely lovely. She truly was the ringleader, both on and off screen. From the start, I really focused on being present for her in every way, both during filming and behind the scenes, supporting her and being part of what she was creating. That was such a rewarding experience because what she was doing was incredible. I felt grateful to be involved, to have her back no matter what, and to collaborate with her. There was so much to their relationship that we didn’t get to portray in this movie, but despite that, Emily and I had instant chemistry. That connection was really thanks to her—she reached out, took the lead, and was such a wonderful presence. She was absolutely perfect for this role.
Aayush Sharma: The last fight depicted between Mildred and June was epic. Emily and Kamille did everything they could to bring that fight to life. You saw that entire fight sequence very closely, what was the atmosphere like when that scene was being shot? How did you feel while watching the entire process?
Francesca Eastwood: By that point, it was toward the end of the movie, and I felt the most in character. There was a strong sense of confidence—like she’s got this, she’s going to win, and she knows exactly what she’s doing. The love and passion for the sport, the sheer fun of it all, and watching her rebel just a little—it was such a joyful experience. On a personal level, those nights were unforgettable. I think it was about three days of shooting, and I was completely blown away by the sheer number of takes and the dedication of everyone involved. The way these girls were so prepared, so ready—it was incredible. Kaylee and Emily were just phenomenal. The energy was intense, the atmosphere was high-stakes, and being part of it felt truly special. I hadn’t realized what it would be like to be ringside for such a major fight sequence. There was something about witnessing it all up close that made it one of the most memorable things to shoot. It felt deeply special, and I was incredibly honored to be there.
Aayush Sharma: Women in wrestling have historically had to fight for recognition, respect, and equal opportunities in a male-dominated industry. How does this film capture both the struggles and the triumphs of women in professional wrestling? Does it highlight the barriers Mae and her peers faced, such as limited opportunities, stereotypes, or lack of visibility?
Francesca Eastwood: I do. One of the things that really touched me about the script was Mildred’s story—especially the fact that she was a mother. As a mother myself, I feel incredibly blessed to live in a time with so many more opportunities. But imagining what it must have been like back then—being a mother with a dream and fully pursuing it—that really resonated with me. I think Emily portrays that beautifully. Mildred simply refused to take no for an answer. No matter what was done to her, no matter how many times she could have given up or grown bitter, she stayed committed. And in doing so, she paved the way for other women to follow their dreams as well. It’s an incredibly inspiring and powerful story.
‘Queen of the Ring’ is now running in theaters.
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