To kick off a new year of cinemagoing, Escapes audiences will be treated to an exclusive first look at Giant, a new bold and powerful film inspired by the true story of boxing legend Prince Nassem “Naz” Hamed. From executive producer Sylvester Stallone (Rocky, Creed), Giant is written and directed by filmmaker Rowan Athale (Gangs of London).
With previews on Monday 5th and Tuesday 6th January, ahead of its official cinema release on Friday 9th January, these nationwide screenings offer audiences a unique opportunity to be among the first to experience this powerful, bold, and inspiring true story about the rise of one of Britain’s most trailblazing athletes. Starring Amir El-Masry (The Night Manager, Limbo, The Crown, SAS: Rogue Heroes) as boxer Prince Naseem Hamed, and Pierce Brosnan (James Bond franchise, Mamma Mia!, The Love Punch, Mobland) as his trainer, Brendan Ingle.
Giant will transport audiences to a time where change had to be fought for. Based on the remarkable true story of legendary British-Yemeni boxing champion Prince Naseem “Naz” Hamed and his relationship with Irish boxing trainer Brendan Ingle, Giant charts Naz’s inspiring rags-to-riches underdog tale from his humble beginnings in Sheffield to becoming champion of the world. With his unorthodox style, cocky persona and sheer dominance of the sport, Naseem faced down the abhorrent racism and islamophobia that swept Britain in the 80’s and 90’s, to become a global sporting icon, both inside and outside of the ring.
The film also explores the unlikely and tender relationship between Naz and his trainer Ingle, who ran a humble boxing gym in a church hall in the North of England; and the instrumental role that Ingle played on Naz’s road to success. With exhilarating and visceral scenes in the ring, coupled with deeply moving and intimate moments behind the curtain, Giant is an inspiring biopic of one of the greatest showmen the sporting world has ever seen, the untold true story of the boy behind The Prince.
Since launching in February 2024, Escapes, supported by the BFI awarding National Lottery funding, has brought audiences back to independent cinemas across the UK, with
over 190,000 free tickets claimed to date. Its diverse programme spans cult classics and award-winning features, alongside exclusive previews of upcoming releases, including Point Break, The Penguin Lessons, and I Swear.
Arriving at over 100 cinemas nationwide, Escapes remains committed to making cinema accessible for all – whether discovering a new film like Giant, experiencing the magic of a
local independent cinema, or sharing in the joy of storytelling together. Every screening will include descriptive subtitles to ensure accessibility for a wider audience.
To further its inclusivity, for select cinemas, Giant will also offer Relaxed Screenings with adjustments such as slightly raised lighting, lowered volume, and no pre-show ads. These screenings create a welcoming space where audiences are free to move around, make noise, or take a break whenever they need to, so everyone can enjoy cinema in the way that feels most comfortable to them. While designed with neurodivergent audiences in mind, relaxed screenings are open to anyone who might prefer a more flexible cinema experience, whether they’ve attended one before or are discovering it for the first time.
Tickets are FREE and available now at escapetothecinema.co.uk/tickets
