Gavin Casalegno opens up about Queen of the Ring and the inspiring true story of wrestling pioneer Mildred Burke.

When Queen of the Ring hits theaters nationwide on March 7th, audiences will be introduced to an inspiring historical drama about Mildred Burke, the first female wrestler to make history as a million-dollar athlete. Gavin Casalegno, who plays a pivotal role in the film, recently sat down with me to talk about his journey from Texas to Hollywood, his experience working with an incredible cast, and what drew him to this groundbreaking story.
Born and raised in Texas, Gavin had a rather unexpected start to his career.
“I moved to Hollywood and failed the first time,” he shared. “But then I came back to Dallas and started working, and here we are.” He credits much of his inspiration to his Texas roots and the advice he received from actors like Jared Padalecki and Russell Crowe. “I think some things Russell Crowe said to me when I was 12 really stuck with me,” Gavin explained. “He told me, ‘Don’t quit acting, take care of your mom, and don’t smoke.’” Those words have stuck with him throughout his career, and they resonate deeply as he continues to take on new roles.
One of his latest and most exciting projects is Queen of the Ring. It is a film based on the incredible, untold story of Mildred Burke. She was a single mother who defied the odds and changed the world of women’s wrestling forever. Gavin, who describes himself as a fan of historical underdog stories, was captivated by Burke’s story the moment he learned about it. “I was amazed that it hadn’t been told sooner,” he said. “There’s even a book about it, and it’s just such a special opportunity to bring this history to life.”

Throughout filming, Gavin found himself in awe of the talented ensemble surrounding him, including Emily Bett Rickards, Josh Lucas, Walton Goggins, and more. As a huge fan of Arrow, Gavin was particularly excited to work alongside Emily Bett Rickards. “I used to watch Arrow with my dad, so meeting her in person was surreal,” Gavin recalled. “I literally texted my dad: ‘You’re not going to believe this, but I’m working alongside Emily!’” He also took the opportunity to learn from his seasoned co-stars, saying, “I left the set with a journal full of notes and advice. Picking their brains was definitely one of the highlights of filming.”
The production process was full of memorable moments, including the challenging first day on set.
“The first day was crazy. We filmed a press conference scene, which was the first scene we did. It was tough for Walton, Josh, Emily, and everyone involved,” Gavin explained. “I didn’t even know half their names yet, but we had to dive right in. It was a difficult scene, but it was memorable because I got to see how talented everyone was. They made it look so easy.”

When asked what drew him to Queen of the Ring, Gavin emphasized the importance of the film’s message. “If you’re into history, especially historical sports stories, you’ll love this movie. It’s also a great pick if you’re into wrestling or if you just want to see a strong female lead who’s incredibly inspiring. I think the movie will leave viewers feeling the same way I did when I first read the script—just inspired and encouraged.”
As for what lies ahead in Gavin’s career, he’s excited about the possibilities. “I’d love to do more action films,” he said. “But I’m also drawn to true stories like Queen of the Ring. I’m kind of torn between action and romance, and I’m excited to see what the future holds.”
With so much potential ahead, Gavin Casalegno is undoubtedly a rising star. He continues to make Texas proud, and his journey is only beginning. “I’m excited to be a part of this movie, and I’m just looking forward to what comes next,” he said.
Queen of the Ring opens in theaters nationwide on March 7th. With its inspiring story of Mildred Burke’s trailblazing journey in women’s wrestling, this film is a must-see for fans of history, sports, and strong female leads.
Read more News on Nerdtropolis. Subscribe to our YouTube.
Discover more from Nerdtropolis - Movie News, Reviews, Interviews, and Trailers
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.