Alex A. GinzburgandTony Leeof Let It Play announced today that Academy Award nominated filmmakerLexi Alexanderhas signed on to direct the true story of wrestlerChris Benoit. Based on the book, “Ring of Hell: The Story of Chris Benoit & the Fall of the Pro Wrestling Industry” byMatthew Randazzo V,Crossfacewill tell the story ofWWE superstarChris Benoit as he struggles to maintain his family life, while the pressures of wrestling cause him to spiral out of control.Benoitwas a well respected, world champion wrestler, who, over the course of a weekend in June 2007, murdered his wife and son before taking his own life.
It was later discovered thatChris Benoitwas posthumously diagnosed with CTE, severe brain degeneration, believed to be associated with his career as a wrestler.Lexi Alexanderwill direct from a script byJake GoldbergerandSarah Coulter.Alex A. GinzburgandTony Leewill produce for Let It Play. Executive Producers areRam GetzandMatthew Randazzo V. Here’s whatLexi Alexanderhad to say in a statement about the project.
“I was pretty certain I’d stay in TV rather than returning to the feature world, because the material just seems so much better in TV, especially in drama, but thenCrossfacecame my way. A heartbreaking,true storyabout the dark side of wrestling…I couldn’t say no to that.”
Lexi Alexanderis an Academy Award Nominee for her short filmJohnny Flynton. Her filmGreen Street Hooligans, starringElijah WoodandCharlie Hunnam, was the second film ever at SXSW to win both the Best of the Fest and a Special Jury Award. She became the first woman to direct a major comic book film when she took onPunisher: War Zone, based on the Marvel superhero. More recently,Lexihas directed episodes of series includingLimitless,SupergirlandArrow.Alexanderis also a World Karate and Kickboxing Champion and an expert in mixed martial arts.
ThroughLet It Play,Alex A. GinzburgandTony Lee’s producing credits includeLee Kirk’s upcoming filmGeezer, starringBillie Joe Armstrong,Selma BlairandJudy Greer, set for a theatrical release later this year, andJake Goldberger’sHolding PatternsstarringFreddie Highmore,Odeya RushandChristopher Meloni, currently in post-production. The pair also executive producedHardcore Henrywhich won the People’s Choice Award in the Midnight Madness category at last year’s Toronto International Film Festival, and was released in theaters earlier this year.
