Following the release of “The Iron Claw,” which covers the Von Erich family, there has been talk online about what other pro wrestling stories could be told on the big screen. And now, Matthew Randazzo V., the author of 2008’s “Ring of Hell,” has revealed on X the difficulties he faced trying to get Chris Benoit’s bleak life story made into a movie. Noting that even casting Benoit was difficult due to his physique and the subject matter, with only Andy Whitfield being willing to commit. Additionally, Vince McMahon and a certain agency with connections to WWE didn’t want it made, and ultimately, it is a depressing story.
“Casting Benoit was nightmare. Needed someone with Iron Claw physique + name value, but willing to play a deranged child murderer. Andy Whitfield was the guy, sold me on Spartacus (@stevendeknight) but after he passed, no one was right/willing to commit. Talked to everyone…”
Matthew Randazzo V“Being spooked by Vince and WWE legal and their connections with Ari/Endeavor made actors EXTREMELY WEARY. Was told certain agency DID NOT want this made. Wrestlers, including those in movies, DID NOT want this made … overseas market was not willing to commit money.”
Matthew Randazzo V“depressing story with unsympathetic steroid beast turned brain damaged child murderer lead, family + industry opposed, serious legal risk and agency relationship risks, no obvious cinematic hook. I obv believe it can be done (I tried to do it), but it’ll be long odds.”
Matthew Randazzo VFor those unfamiliar with the heartbreaking story, Benoit went from being considered a great worker by those who followed the wrestling business closely to a bonafide WWE main eventer over several years. However, his legacy was destroyed on June 25, 2007, when, following a welfare check, police found that Benoit had killed himself, his wife Nancy, and their young son Daniel over a three-day period. Subsequently, it was discovered that Benoit was suffering from severe brain damage at the time, but he was still erased from WWE history, with his crimes too horrific to be forgiven under any circumstances.
