The Cairo premiere of Giant marked a homecoming moment for Egyptian actor Amir El-Masry, as the internationally acclaimed docudrama prepares for its release across Egypt and the Arab world. Directed by British filmmaker Rowan Athale, the film has drawn strong reviews from leading international outlets following its recent releases in Britain, Spain, and Ireland, setting the stage for its regional rollout.
Speaking after the special screening at Nile City Cinema, El-Masry described the film as a major milestone in his career, noting the emotional weight of portraying the real-life journey of British-Yemeni boxing icon Naseem Hamed. He said the role carried a deep personal responsibility, recalling how Hamed was one of the sporting heroes he admired growing up and how the character’s transformation from a marginalized youth into a global champion resonated strongly with him and with audiences beyond boxing.
El-Masry highlighted that Giant does not focus solely on sporting triumph, but on the human story behind it, including moments of humility that defined Hamed’s rise. Among the anecdotes he referenced during the Cairo screening was the story of Hamed winning his first professional bout and returning home not with a formal cheque or public acclaim, but with cash in hand that he proudly gave to his parents, a gesture that underscored both the family sacrifices behind his career and the grounded values that shaped his early years before fame.
The actor detailed the intense preparation required for the role, explaining that he underwent weeks of full-time physical training, lost significant weight, trained for up to eleven hours a day, and endured injuries while mastering Hamed’s distinctive, flamboyant boxing style. He credited Athale’s clear vision and commitment for driving the independent production forward, stressing that the limited production window left no room for experimentation and demanded complete dedication from the cast and crew.
El-Masry also praised the contribution of Pierce Brosnan, who portrays legendary trainer Brendan Ingle, describing him as exceptionally generous on and off camera and instrumental in elevating performances on set. He further acknowledged the backing of co-producer Sylvester Stallone, whose association with the project he said added both credibility and confidence, given Stallone’s enduring legacy in boxing cinema.
Giant traces Hamed’s journey from his childhood in a modest Sheffield neighborhood to becoming one of Britain’s most recognizable Muslim athletes, while also exploring his complex relationship with trainer Brendan Ingle and the unconventional methods that helped propel them to the top of the boxing world. As the film heads into Egyptian and Arab cinemas, El-Masry said he looks forward to audience reactions, noting that having his father present at the Cairo premiere was a particularly moving reminder of why the story’s themes of family, perseverance, and identity continue to resonate.