Featured photo: (left to right) Actress Ryan Destiny, Boxing Coach Jason Crutchfield, Flint native and Olympic Gold Medalist Boxer Claressa Shields, Mayor Sheldon Neeley and Director Rachel Morrison
Written by Tanya Terry, with photos by LM Land
At the November 10 red carpet showing of the upcoming movie “The Fire Inside,” Actress Ryan Destiny told the Courier that taking on the role of Flint native and Olympic Gold Medalist Boxer Claressa Shields was a challenge for her because she and Shields are really quite different from each other. Although both women are from Michigan and both are age 29, Destiny said she knew nothing about boxing before taking on the role. Instead, Destiny described herself as an artist who is always overthinking.
“I had to obviously train,” said Destiny. “There was the physical, the mental, the emotional – and I think I was very blessed to be able to train as long as I did to get into that mindset of her.”
Destiny added being able to watch the “T-Rex” documentary was very helpful to her, in addition to having questions answered by Shields.
Destiny is best known for her roles in the Fox TV musical drama Star, and the Freeform sitcom Grown-ish.
“This is probably the most raw and stripped down that I’ve ever been,” she said. “I’ve had to be very vulnerable in this process. I think it’s probably the scariest thing I’ve ever had to do at this point just because of how intense her story is and how special of a person she is…Also, it being about a person who’s still living now is a lot of pressure to keep. But was something I wanted. It was scary, and no one has ever seen me in this light before.”
Shields said, however, Destiny did train hard for the movie.
“She was sore; she bulked up; you’re going to see that she did a great job portraying me, and even her boxing scenes were very superb,” explained Shields.
Shields said to the Courier: “I definitely had a lot of control over my movie about what was the true story and what wasn’t. I really wanted them to understand that I don’t want a sob story. I don’t want you the watch and then feel sad for me. I want you to know that I’m a victor. I’m not a victim, and that despite everything I went through I still came out on top – and to show that resilience and strength of Flint, Michigan.”
The movie shows Shields as one who came from a childhood of poverty and sexual abuse. In one surprise scene, she expresses her anger about having to grown up with this background and having to live the way she does, is kicked out of her home and lives with her boxing coach. Disagreements with her coach get heated at times as well, although the love and respect they have for each other is apparent. The movie also shows in an almost humorous way how professionals tried to work to change Shields’ image, who said she love boxing “because she liked beating people up.” Ultimately, Shields fought against the odds, almost giving up at least one point, and became a millionaire.
Brian Tyree Henry portrayed Shield’s original trainer, Jason Crutchfield and arguably favored Crutchfield quite a bit physically. Crutchfield said he felt the portrayal of him was not 100% accurate. He elaborated by telling the Courier “they didn’t really show everything about how she was trained,” but he said he is among those who is “thankful” the movie will be released on Christmas Day!
Genesee County Resident Christel Drew also attended the premiere showing.
“I love that they capture all the moments that are particular for Flint residents and (it allows) people who work in education to know that kids struggle, families struggle and we are Bedrock,” Drew stated. “We’re as solid as a rock, and we will overcome.”
Destiny said the emotion one feels while watching the movie encourages them to pay attention to how overlooked women can be, especially Black women. She also talked about how even people who are not sports fans will likely be equally fascinated with the movie.
Destiny added: “I think you leave inspired and knowing that no matter where you came from, no matter how bad it might have been – you can overcome and do anything that you dream of.”
The fact that this is an inspiring movie was proven by the audience. They clapped wildly when the movie showed that Shields fought for and managed to get equal pay for women boxers in the Olympics, and again at the end of the emotion-stirring movie.
