Fenech update September 2025
Fenech – The Jeff Fenech Story: Moving Into the Next Chapter
At Wingman Pictures International, the journey to bring Fenech – The Jeff Fenech Story to the screen is powering forward. Over the past months, our team has been hard at work shaping the script, and we are proud to share that we’re now deep into the second draft with the incredible guidance of acclaimed filmmaker Anthony Hayes.
“Jeff Fenech’s story isn’t just about boxing—it’s about resilience, loyalty, and the will to overcome. This film will capture the battles fought outside the ring as powerfully as those fought inside it.”
Working With Anthony Hayes
Anthony Hayes is one of Australia’s most respected actors, writers, and directors, with a career spanning over three decades. Audiences know him from powerful performances in films like Animal Kingdom, The Square, War Machine (opposite Brad Pitt), and Gold, which he also co-wrote and directed alongside Zac Efron. Behind the camera, Hayes has established himself as a filmmaker of extraordinary depth, sensitivity, and grit—exactly the qualities needed to tell Jeff Fenech’s story with the honesty and cinematic weight it deserves.
His work with us as Script Editor has been transformative. Between the first draft and this latest version, Anthony has pushed us to expand the scope, lean into the raw emotion, and make sure that the bigger, universal story shines through. The result is a screenplay that captures not just the fights inside the ring, but the battles outside it—family, identity, loyalty, sacrifice, and redemption.
Why Jeff Fenech’s Story Matters
Jeff Fenech is more than a boxing legend. He’s a fighter who transcended sport, becoming a symbol of resilience and determination in Australia and beyond. From the streets of Marrickville to world championship glory, Fenech’s journey is one of struggle and triumph, heartbreak and redemption.
This is a story about a man who fought his way out of hardship and into history—only to face just as many battles away from the spotlight as he did under it. It’s a story about loyalty and betrayal, love and loss, and what it means to keep fighting when the odds are stacked against you.
Bringing Jeff’s life to the big screen is not just about reliving iconic moments in the ring—it’s about exploring the human spirit that made him one of Australia’s most beloved champions.
Casting Begins
One of the most exciting updates is that we have already started casting some of the smaller roles for the film. This is just the beginning. Casting will continue throughout 2025 and 2026 as we search for the perfect ensemble to bring Jeff’s world to life. Finding the right talent to embody these characters—family members, trainers, opponents, and friends—is just as important as casting Jeff himself. Every role is a piece of the bigger picture, and we are determined to assemble a cast that will do justice to this extraordinary story.
“Working with Anthony Hayes has elevated the script to a whole new level. His experience and vision ensure that Fenech won’t just be a sports film—it will be an unforgettable piece of Australian cinema.”
The Road Ahead
With the second draft taking shape under Anthony Hayes’ expertise, and with casting underway, Fenech is moving closer to becoming a reality. Every step forward builds the momentum and excitement we feel for this project.
This isn’t just a film for boxing fans—it’s a film for anyone who has ever fought for something bigger than themselves. Jeff Fenech’s story is Australia’s story, and it deserves to be told on the grandest stage possible.
Stay tuned—this is only the beginning.
