The Wrestler Movie Cast, Plot and Everything to Know

Amy Renner

Last modified: Jul. 28, 2009

The Wrestler

Release Date: Wednesday, December 17, 2008 NYC/LA +

Director: Darren Aronofsky

Starring: Mickey Rourke • Ernest Miller • Marisa Tomei • Todd Barry • Evan Rachel Wood

An over-the-hill wrestler returns to the ring for one last shot at glory.

R Drama 1 hr, 45 m

4.2

63% WILL SEE

38% WON'T SEE

Rent or buy On Amazon

An over-the-hill wrestler returns to the ring for one last shot at glory.

Plot

What's the story about?

Plot: Back in the late ‘80s, Randy “The Ram” Robinson (Mickey Rourke) was a headlining professional wrestler. Now, twenty years later, he ekes out a living performing for handfuls of diehard wrestling fans in high school gyms and community centers around New Jersey. Estranged from his daughter (Evan Rachel Wood) and unable to sustain any real relationships, Randy lives for the thrill of the show and the adoration of his fans. However, a heart attack forces him into retirement. As his sense of identity starts to slip away, he begins to evaluate the state of his life -- trying to reconnect with his daughter, and striking up a blossoming romance with an exotic dancer (Marisa Tomei) who is ready to start a new life. Yet all this cannot compare to the allure of the ring and passion for his art, which threatens to pull Randy “The Ram” back into his world of wrestling. Director Darren Aronofsky presents a powerful portrait of a battered dreamer, who despite himself and the odds stacked against him, lives to be a hero once again in the only place he considers home – inside the ring.

Drama

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Top Cast

The lead cast starring in The Wrestler.

Mickey Rourke
Iron Man 2, Immortals
E
Ernest Miller
Marisa Tomei
Spider-Man: Homecoming, High Tide
T
Todd Barry
Vamps
E
Evan Rachel Wood
Frozen 2, Backspot

Crew Behind the Film

The The Wrestler behind-the-scenes crew and production team.

The film's director Darren Aronofsky last directed The Whale and mother!. The film's writer Darren Aronofsky last wrote The Whale and mother!.

Director: Darren Aronofsky
Screenwriters: Darren Aronofsky
Robert Siegel
Producer: Darren Aronofsky

Studios: Searchlight Pictures
Production Company: Protozoa Pictures; Saturn Films

Production Details

What we know about the The Wrestler movie production.

Key Facts

Awarded the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival. Nicholas Cage was originally approached to star in the film, but ultimately left the project.

Production Updates for The Wrestler

Dec 2008

Completed

Changed The Wrestler movie production status. The movie is ready for release.

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Additional Information

Parent Rating: R Restricted for violence, sexuality/nudity, language and some drug use
Runtime: 1 hr, 45 m
Tagline: Not available
Also known as: Not available
Language: English

All Trailers

Watch official The Wrestler movie trailers and clips.

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Release Dates

When was the film released?

The Wrestler was released in New York / Los Angeles on Wednesday, December 17, 2008. in around 4 theaters There were 1 other movie released on the same date, including Nothing but the Truth.

Movie Theaters

2008-12-17 NYC/LA +

United States

Stream Now

On DVD, Blu-ray / 4K

2009-04-21 DVD
2009-04-21 Blu-ray

Buy/Rent on Digital (Ultra HD)

Questions

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Across the Web

Follow the Updates

Tue., Jul. 28, 2009 Tue., Jul. 28, 2009

Added the Blu-ray release date of April 21, 2009

Added the soundtrack release date of February 24, 2009

Added the DVD release date of April 21, 2009

Added the film release date of January 9, 2009

Changed the production status to Release

Added a synopsis

Set the MPAA rating to R (for violence, sexuality/nudity, language and some drug use)

New Movie Trailer

The Return
Official Trailer

Bleecker Street has unveiled the official trailer for The Return. Watch it now!