One of my most anticipated actioners of 2026 is without a doubt the upcoming MMA drama Beast. Starring a legit threat of Australian acting talent with the likes of Daniel MacPherson (Strike Back), Luke Hemsworth (Land of Bad), Bren Foster (Life After Fighting, Mexicali) and Hollywood GOAT Russell Crow (Gladiator), Beast looks like a serious contender for top lists of the year.
Beast is set to hit theaters this April but the fine folks at Big Bad Film Fest, which I have teamed up with for a few years now covering the festival, is unleashing a special advanced west coast screening of the movie ahead of its official release. The festival, known for delivering the best of the best in action cinema, is debuting the film on the big screen for rabid fans looking for a little ground and pound action. Check out the official press release below!
LOS ANGELES: Big Bad Film Fest Presents Russell Crowe’s BEAST in Special West Coast Screening Ahead of Theatrical Release!

BIG BAD FILM FEST is extending its brand of bringing hard hitting action to the big-screen as it partners with Lionsgate for an early screening of Tyler Atkins’ new MMA centered film BEAST. Gardena Cinema will play host to the screening on April 8th before the film hits theaters nationwide on April 10th via Lionsgate.
BEAST stars Daniel MacPherson, Luke Hemsworth, Bren Foster, and Russell Crowe. Tyler
Atkins directs a script from Land of Bad’s David Frigerio, which also starred MacPherson,
Hemsworth, and Crowe. John Schwarz, David Frigerio, Michael Schwarz, Tim O’Hair produce.
“Big Bad Film Fest was built for movies like Beast,” said fest co-founders Patrick R Young and
Powell Robinson. “Full of both heart and fist in front of and behind the screen – action and
cinema fans are getting a full meal with this one. We’re so excited to share this movie with our
audience at Gardena Cinema.”
Big Bad previously hosted a screening of Life After Fighting, directed and starring Beast’s Bren
Foster.



Beast follows a once-feared MMA champion (MacPherson) as he is pulled back in for the fight
of his life when his younger brother is put in danger. Reuniting with the trainer (Crowe) who
once made him a legend, he commits to one final showdown against the reigning title-holder —
a brutal fighter (Foster) determined to dismantle the ex-champ’s legacy in front of the world.
Pushed to his breaking point, the contender’s stakes are simple: win, or lose everything he’s
built.
Big Bad Film Fest aims to highlight action filmmakers, performers, and movies from past
present and future. They’ve premiered films from Koichi Sakamoto, Chaya Suppanarat, and
Louis Mandylor with stars like Dylan Sprouse, Scott Adkins, and Mason Gooding alongside
screenings of classics like Tomorrow Never Dies with participation from Michelle Yeoh and
Barbara Broccoli.

[…] best in action adrenaline entertainment. The festival is showcasing a special screening of the new MMA thriller Beast and not to be out done, the boys at Big Bad Film Fest are getting ready to unleash what many are […]