The Manny Pacquiao-produced Almighty Zeus may be a boxing movie, but there's a whole lot more to it than that.
We sat down with the film's stars, Chris Soriano and Miguel Matos, once again, to hear more about the most important message behind the film.
That is, putting an end to Asian Hate.
A Rise In Anti-Asian Hate Inspired "Almighty Zeus"
Miguel begins our conversation by setting the scene for when Chris began writing the script: the start of the pandemic.
"You'd see so many clips of people being attacked, then copycat crimes -- there were so many crimes committed against Asian people at the time."
For Miguel, that played a major part in his decision to sign on.
"Being part of a project that brings about unity and understanding was very important to me. For people to see a character they could relate to, and go, 'He's from the streets of New York - but he also has a caring heart and teamed up with a Filipino-American."
Likewise, Miguel explains that he felt it was important for audiences to see just how much they could relate to Chris's character.
"Chris incorporated a lot of his Filipino culture in the film, and that was great, because you get a better understanding of just how alike we are. The uncle who chastises you, only to end up wanting to be a part of your success - it's the kind of thing that happens in all families. The more we learn about each other, the closer we get."
"Because of that," he adds, "it's not just about unifying Asian- and African-American people unifying - it's cultures across the board."
At that, Chris nods, smiling.
"We didn't make a movie, 'Just because.' There's an important social consciousness portion to it."
"It's a unique, multicultural movie that is so timely, meaningful, and helps us understand how to work better together," he continues.
Chris And Miguel Open Up About Their Bond, On-Set
It's not just Chris and Miguel's characters who developed a fast bond through Almighty Zeus.
Far from it, these actors have become fast friends ... so much so that Chris laughs that there were times he didn't know if Miguel was simply a method actor.
"Thankfully, he wasn't, because that would have been a little intense!"
Miguel laughs, before elaborating a little on his character.
"Coach Green is a legendary neighborhood boxing trainer. He makes champions out of guys that are capable, but refuse to be who they are."
The actor adds that in order to take on the role, he drew from his experience of working with kids in detention centers ... and being a dad, himself.
"It was a lot of that 'tough love,' 'make your bed,' stuff," he laughs.
How Chris And Miguel Handled The Emotional Aspect Of Filming "Almighty Zeus"
To say Almighty Zeus filmed amid challenges would be a sore understatement.
After all, production began in early 2021 - mid-pandemic.
"It wasn't the best time to film, that's for sure!" Chris laughs.
From daily Covid tests, to keeping everyone 6-feet apart, cast and crew faced some serious obstacles - but luckily, it all worked out.
"As the director, I was responsible for everyone's safety, so if anyone had got Covid, I would have been the one to blame. Thank goodness, no one did!"
Coronavirus was just one part of it, though.
With such important subject matter, everyone involved was determined to do the absolute best they could.
"My biggest challenge, emotionally, was wanting to give the best performance I could," says Miguel.
Chris is quick to set him at ease, beaming, "He did."
Miguel Gives His Parting Words
From an epic plot, to the important messaging, to the palpable bond between co-stars, we don't need to be sold on getting front-row seats for Almighty Zeus.
However, just for kicks, we asked Miguel for his parting words.
"There's definitely a punch," he winks, "That anyone can resonate with."
Chris's response? He's in hysterics.
Almighty Zeus hits select theaters on December 2.
