Unstoppable, a new sports drama by director William Goldenberg, had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 6. The true story starsMoonlight’sJharrel Jeromeas Anthony Robles, who never gives up his wrestling dream despite facing insurmountable odds. Born without a right leg and forced to grow up in a volatile environment, Robles set out to join a US Division 1 team and make history on the mat.
In addition to Jerome, the film stars Bobby Cannavale, Michael Peña, Don Cheadle,Jennifer Lopez, and even Robles, himself. Also serving as a producer, Robles shares that he was amazed by the entire experience while chatting with reporters on the press line. Goldenberg and Cheadle had plenty of wonderful things to say about the wrestler, praising Robles' dedication to the sport and calling his journey an inspiration.
Unstoppable Review: Jennifer Lopez & Jharrel Jerome Are Fierce In Powerhouse Sports Drama With Heart
It’s the kind of movie that’s simultaneously a feel-good tear-jerker that’s also deeply personal in the themes it tackles.
Screen Rantinterviewed Goldenberg, Robles, and Cheadle at theToronto International Film Festivalabout Robles' involvement inUnstoppableand doing justice to his story.
William Goldenberg Is Excited To Have Unstoppable As His Feature Directorial Debut
“I felt it was an incredible responsibility actually telling someone’s real life [story].”
Screen Rant: Congratulations on your directorial debut. What was it like to tell Anthony’s story as your first feature?
William Goldenberg: I felt it was an incredible responsibility actually telling someone’s real life, someone I know, which made it all the more exciting when every day we finished, and we had a great day, and I felt like, “This is going well and, hopefully, we’ll do justice to the story.”
How involved was Anthony in the process?
William Goldenberg: He was around all the time. He was involved. He helped train Jharrel. He basically choreographed the wrestling sequences. He doubles himself in the wrestling. He was on set every day. He’s a tremendous person to be around, and it made everybody feel great, made everybody feel good, and gave everybody a real purpose. I think the whole set was inspired by him being there.
Anthony Robles Is Grateful That The Cast And Crew Understand His Message
“They get the purpose of my story, which is to show people that you’re capable of anything.”
What is it like to have your story told on the big screen? Did you ever imagine you would be sharing it with so many people?
Anthony Robles: Never in my wildest dreams. This is truly a blessing to be here and just to have this opportunity. I’m truly fortunate, and I’m grateful because this amazing group of individuals who made this a reality—they get the message. They get the purpose of my story, which is to show people that you’re capable of anything. You can be broken, you can be knocked down, but you can come back from it. That’s what wrestling taught me, that’s what life taught me, and the way my mom raised me.
Don Cheadle Wanted To Have A Hand In Telling Robles' Story
“Everybody that came together made it a great opportunity to tell a great story.”
What really spoke to you about Anthony’s story, and why did you want to have a hand in telling it?
Don Cheadle: It’s a very inspirational story. He’s a very inspirational person. With the cast assembled and the production team behind it, with Amazon and Artist Equity, Matt and Ben’s company, everybody that came together made it a great opportunity to tell a great story.
You’ve obviously played a variety of different roles, so how do you feel this project has helped you stretch new creative muscles?
Don Cheadle: I hadn’t gotten down on the mat before for a project, so it was nice to get a new tool in the tool belt.
About Unstoppable
The film is based on Anthony Robles' inspiring true story.
Starring Jharrel Jerome (Moonlight, TIFF ’16; When They See Us) as Robles in another outstanding performance, Unstoppable is both an irresistible sports drama and a family story full of heart. In the wrestling circle and the locker room, he has to convince two tough coaches (Michael Peña and Don Cheadle) that his grit and potential are real. At home, he contends with a mother going through some growing up of her own.
Unstoppablepremiered at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 6.
Unstoppable
Despite being born with one leg, Anthony Robles overcomes significant challenges both at home and in the competitive world of wrestling. His determination and relentless drive lead him to become an NCAA Division 1 wrestling champion, earning him national recognition and a place in the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.
