‘The Challenger,’ Final Film Of Michael Clark Duncan, Gets Limited Theatrical Release

Independent boxing drama The Challenger, featuring Michael Clark Duncan in his final role, has landed a limited theatrical release through partnership with Regal Cinemas that begins September 11, 2015. The release will include over 30 theaters, including 10 in the top 20 US markets. The Challenger focuses on a struggling auto mechanic in The Bronx trying to save himself and his mother from homelessness. After he meets a legendary boxing trainer (Michael Clarke Duncan), he embarks on a pugilist career that might be his ticket out of poverty.

The first feature of director Kent Moran, The Challenger stars Moran in the title role, along with S. Epatha Merkerson, and Duncan, who died from complications following a heart attack in 2012. It has been making the festival rounds, winning the audience choice award at the Gasparilla International Film Festival, and the same at the Nashville Film Festival. Cinematography is by Giacomo Belletti. It’s produced by Ellyette Eleni, Adam Hawkey, and Moran.

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