The Netflix Sci-Fi Action Blockbuster That Is A Secret Cult Classic
These days boxing films are all the rage, with movies such as Southpaw, The Fighter, and the Creed trilogy drawing audiences to the theater with relative ease. One film, however, takes the template of a traditional boxing film and flips it on its head by adding the best element you can place in a movie: a giant freakin’ robot. Real Steel is currently available to watch on Netflix, and showcases robots fighting each other in the ring.
Real Steel A Cult Hit
Real Steel is equal parts Rocky, Pacific Rim, and Million Dollar Baby, making the film a beloved cult hit on streaming, even if it didn’t receive the love it deserved upon its initial release.
A team of three screenwriters, John Gatins, Dan Gilroy, and Jeremy Leven are credited with having contributed to the script, each of whom are renown for penning classic works such as Kong: Skull Island, Nightcrawler, and The Notebook, respectively.
The film was directed by Free Guy and Deadpool 3 filmmaker Shawn Levy.
Real Steel Cast
Real Steel also packs a punch with its all-star cast, which include leading performances from Hugh Jackman, Evangeline Lilly, Dakota Goyo, Kevin Durand, Hope Davis, and Marvel’s Anthony Mackie.
Much of the robot fights were made with a combination of practical effects and puppeteers, and motion capture tech overlaid on real fighters, choreographed by celebrated fighter Sugar Ray Leonard.
The movie is based on a short story penned by science fiction writer Richard Matheson, which previously served as the inspiration for a 1963 Twilight Zone episode.
Futuristic Movie
Real Steel, which was released in 2011, takes place in the not-so-distant future of 2020, wherein man-made machines replace professional boxers.
Hugh Jackman’s Charlie Kenton is a former boxer, who has lost his job due to the rise of the machines, and attempts unsuccessfully to pivot into the field of robot fighting.
As Charlie struggles with his newfound career change, he learns that his ex-girlfriend has suddenly died, leaving him as the sole caretaker for their shared son Max, whom Charlie has never met.
Father And Son Story
After scouring a junkyard for scrap parts to build their own bot, Max bonds with a barely functional sparring cyborg, prompting Charlie to help him prepare the robot for the ring.
As Real Steel continues to a thrilling climax, the father and son duo learn the shady politics of the bot fighting world, and navigate the dangerous environment on the road to the championship.
Box Office Success
The film was a massive financial success, bringing in just under $300 million at the global box office against an estimated production budget of $80-110 million. As recently as 2021, Shawn Levy has expressed interest in crafting a Real Steel sequel, with Ryan Reynolds set to join the cast.
Levy claims that he’s discussed the project with Hugh Jackman, who has already agreed to reprise his role.
Real Steel Series
In 2022 it was announced that a Disney+ series based on Real Steel would enter production, though there seem to be no significant updates on the project at this time.
If you haven’t yet had the chance to catch the thrilling film, Real Steel is available to stream on Netflix today.
