“Queen of the Ring” is an upcoming American biographical sports drama film directed by Ash Avildsen. The film is based on Jeff Leen’s 2010 book “The Queen of the Ring: Sex, Muscles, Diamonds, and the Making of an American Legend,” as well as Burke’s own manuscripts. The film chronicles the life of Mildred Burke, a pioneering female professional wrestler who, during a time when women’s wrestling was illegal across the United States, defied societal norms to dominate the sport and became the first female athlete to earn a million dollars.
Starring Emily Bett Rickards, Josh Lucas, Kelli Berglund, and Walton Goggins, the movie is set to hit theaters on March 7, 2025, with Sumerian Pictures handling distribution. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the Queen of the Ring filming locations, uncovering the real-world settings that brought Burke’s journey to life.
Where Was Queen of the Ring Filmed?
Filming for Queen of the Ring primarily took place in Louisville, Kentucky, with additional scenes shot in Elizabethtown, Kentucky and New Albany, Indiana. These locations provided the perfect vintage backdrop to recreate the 1940s and 1950s wrestling era. Here’s a closer look at the key filming spots:
Louisville, Kentucky
Louisville, known for its rich sports history, played a major role in bringing Burke’s story to life. The city’s blend of historic architecture and modern charm made it an ideal setting.
- The Palace Theatre—This 1928 historic venue was used for multiple wrestling match scenes. The grand interior added an authentic touch to the wrestling sequences. “The Palace Theatre had the perfect old-school vibe we needed to showcase Mildred’s matches,” said director Ash Avildsen.
- The Henry Clay—This former luxury hotel turned event space was used for high-society scenes, emphasizing the glamour and grit of Burke’s era.
- The Conrad-Caldwell House—This historic Victorian mansion was used for scenes depicting Billy Wolfe’s home, where much of Burke’s personal struggles unfolded.
Other notable filming spots in Louisville included Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse, The Seelbach and Brown Hotels, and Headliners Music Hall. The pink house in Old Louisville also served as a key backdrop.
Elizabethtown, Kentucky
- The Historic State Theatre Complex—This classic 1930s-era theater was chosen for its vintage aesthetic. “We wanted a location that transported viewers back in time, and this theater was perfect,” said producer B.D. Gunnell.
Trivia: Elizabethtown has been a filming hotspot, with the 2005 film Elizabethtown, starring Orlando Bloom and Kirsten Dunst, also shot here.
New Albany, Indiana
- The Grand—This historic event venue was transformed into a 1950s wrestling arena for some of the movie’s most intense match scenes.
Trivia: New Albany was also featured in the 2017 drama Columbus starring John Cho and Haley Lu Richardson.
When Did the Filming of Queen of the Ring Take Place?
Filming for Queen of the Ring began in July 2023 in Louisville, Kentucky. Despite the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike, the production received special dispensation to continue shooting. The film had its world premiere at the Buffalo International Film Festival on October 15, 2024, before its nationwide release in March 2025.
Queen of the Ring Plot Summary
Queen of the Ring is a biographical sports drama set in 2024 that tells the wonderful true story of Mildred Burke, a female wrestler who broke down barriers in a world that was mostly men. The story is about Mildred, a tough single mom with big dreams in the 1930s and 1940s. Emily Bett Rickards plays Mildred. She’s not just trying to stay alive; she wants to make history. Back then, wrestling was a rough, mostly male stage act, and for women? It was against the law almost everywhere. Mildred wasn’t concerned about the rules, though. She possessed exceptional talent, demonstrated resilience, and excelled at commanding attention.
In the beginning of the movie, Mildred is raising her young son while on the road and studying to be a wrestler. She gets the attention of Billy Wolfe (Josh Lucas), a smooth promoter and wrestler who marries her after becoming her boss. Mildred becomes the star of the show as they make women’s wrestling a real hit. In the ring, she’s a monster who wins many fights and draws big crowds. However, behind-the-scenes chaos ensues. Things get worse in her marriage to Billy, and she starts to feel the stress of fame, family, and working in a sexist field.
As Mildred rises to become the first woman athlete to earn a million bucks, she battles more than just opponents—she’s fighting for respect and a legacy. The movie shows how hard it is for her to balance being a mother, loving someone, and wanting to be successful. It has both exciting wrestling fights and real, emotional moments. In Queen of the Ring, Walton Goggins plays a shady producer named Jack Pfefer, and Tyler Posey plays a young G. Bill Wolfe. The film vividly depicts a woman who not only participated in the game but also made a lasting impact on it.
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Behind the Scenes of Queen of the Ring
Making Queen of the Ring was no small feat—it’s a passion project that brought together a mix of Hollywood talent and real wrestling pros to tell Mildred Burke’s groundbreaking story. Director Ash Avildsen, who also wrote the script, has a personal connection to sports cinema: his dad, John G. Avildsen, helmed classics like Rocky and The Karate Kid. Ash didn’t meet his father until he was 34, and that bond shaped his drive to create authentic, heartfelt storytelling. He’s called Queen of the Ring a “culmination” of his journey, blending his love for music (he founded Sumerian Records) with his knack for gritty, emotional films.
The cast is a wild mix—Emily Bett Rickards trained hard to bulk up and nail Burke’s physicality, diving into wrestling moves with help from pros like Kamille (who plays rival June Byers) and Toni Storm (as Clara Mortensen). Real-life wrestlers Britt Baker and Trinity Fatu also pop up, adding authenticity to the ring scenes. Josh Lucas, as the slick Billy Wolfe, leaned into the role of a promoter with big dreams and bigger flaws, while Walton Goggins brought his signature intensity to Jack Pfefer. Filming the wrestling matches was a highlight—Avildsen wanted them raw and real, so the actors took some real bumps, with cameras catching every slam in sepia-toned glory to match the ‘30s and ‘40s vibe.
Production wasn’t without hiccups. Avildsen admitted at a film festival that he cut an hour from the original runtime, leaving some scenes choppy but keeping the heart intact. The costumes, from Mildred’s flashy ring gear to vintage cars, scream period-perfect, thanks to designer Sofija Mesicek. With wrestling legend Jim Ross as an executive producer, the team had insider cred to make sure Burke’s legacy shone. It’s a labor of love that’s ready to hit theaters March 7, 2025!
Queen of the Ring Cast Details
- Emily Bett Rickards as Mildred Burke
- Josh Lucas as Billy Wolfe
- Tyler Posey as G. Bill Wolfe
- Kelli Berglund as Nell Stewart
- Walton Goggins as Jack Pfefer
- Marie Avgeropoulos as Babe Gordon
- Gavin Casalegno as Joe Burke
- Kamille as June Byers
- Toni Storm as Clara Mortensen
- Trinity Fatu as Ethel Johnson
- Deborah Ann Woll as Gladys Gillem
- Francesca Eastwood as Mae Young
- Martin Kove as Al Haft
- Cara Buono as Bertha
- Adam Demos as Gorgeous George
- Damaris Lewis as Babs Wingo
- Britt Baker as Debbie Nichols
- James E. Cornette as NWA Commissioner
Queen of the Ring Official Trailer
The official trailer for Queen of the Ring gives fans a first look at Emily Bett Rickards as Mildred Burke, along with gripping wrestling sequences and powerful performances. Watch it here:
The film’s authentic filming locations in Louisville, Elizabethtown, and New Albany help bring Mildred Burke’s journey to life, adding depth and historical accuracy to this inspiring tale. Whether you’re a wrestling fan or just love powerful biographical dramas, this movie is a must-watch!
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