Directed by Ash Avildsen, Queen of the Ring is an upcoming biopic sports drama film, exploring the life of the female wrestler Mildred Burke. The story is based on Burke's manuscripts and Jeff Leen's 2010 book, The Queen of the Ring: S*x, Muscles, Diamonds, and the Making of an American Legend.
In this film, Emily Bett Rickards portrays Mildred Burke, while viewers will see Josh Lucas, Kelli Berglund, and Walton Goggins in supporting roles.
Mildred Burke was a single mother from a small town who struggled to make a change in one of America's most male-dominated sports. She needed to overcome obstacles and toil day and night, becoming the first female millionaire athlete.
Queen of the Ring was released in theaters in the United States on March 7, 2025.
Know of Prairie the Shaman? Find out more RIGHT HERE
Queen of the Ring: Full list of cast
1) Emily Bett Rickards as Mildred Burke
Emily Bett Rickards plays Mildred Burke, a tough and determined character whose journey is traced in Queen of the Ring.
Emily Bett Rickards is a Canadian actress. Some of her previous works include Calamity Jane (2024), The Clinic (2018), Brooklyn (2015), We Need to Talk (2022), and more.
2) Josh Lucas as Billy Wolfe
Josh Lucas plays Billy Wolfe, a character whose choices and actions drive much of the story forward.
Josh Lucas is an American actor. His previous works include Ford v Ferrari (2019), Glory Road (2006), Sweet Home Alabama (2002), Blood of Dust (2023), and more.
3) Walton Goggins as Jack Pfefer

Walton Goggins plays Jack Pfefer, a smart and ambitious manager who has a big impact on Mildred's career.
Walton Goggins is an American actor, and his previous works include The Luckest Man in America (2024), The Hateful Eight (2015), Django Unchained (2012), Predators (2010), and more. He also stars as Rick in season 3 of the HBO show The White Lotus.
4) Kelli Berglund

Kelli Burglund plays the character Nell Stewart in Queen of the Ring.
Kelli Berglund is an American actress. Some of her previous works include Cherry (2021), Wallbanger (2024), Hubie Halloween (2020), Mark, Mary & Some Other People (2021), and more.
Other cast members
As revealed by IMDB, here is the list of supporting cast:
- Tyler Posey as G. Bill
- Francesca Eastwood as Mae Young
- Marie Avgeropoulos as Elvira Snodgrass
- Kailey Farmer as June Byers
- Cara Buono as Bertha
- Gavin Casalegno as Joe Jr.
- Adam Demos as George
- Deborah Ann Woll as Gladys Gillem
- Damaris Lewis as Babs Wingo
- Martin Kove as Al Haft
- James E. Cornette as NWA Commissioner
- Dean Hill as Ring announcer
- Jett Jansen as Referee
- Angela Bell as Jack Area fan
Screenwriters of the film include director Ash Avildsen, Jeff Leen, and Alston Ramsay. Avildsen also serves as the producer, along with Aimee Schoof, Isen Robbins, and B.D. Gunnell.
Queen of the Ring: Official trailer explored
The trailer for this film, produced by Sumerian Pictures and Intrinsic Value Films, was released on January 16, 2025, on Sumerian's official YouTube channel. The 130-minute film premiered at the Buffalo International Film Festival on October 15, 2024.
In the official trailer, Mildred Burke is seen comforting her young son after a nightmare. It subsequently highlights how Burke works hard to make her dream of becoming a wrestling star come true, while raising her son alone. In her journey, she teams up with Billy Wolfe (played by Josh Lucas), who becomes her trainer.
Featuring a mix of established and emerging actors, the film presents a dramatized account of Burke’s journey in professional wrestling.