Antonio Inoki Movie In The Works

2022 saw the legendary Antonio Inoki pass away, with the founder of NJPW and father of ‘strong style’ leaving behind a legacy that is sure to never be matched.

One of the most famous and at times infamous wrestlers in Japanese puro history, Inoki’s life is certainly deserving of cinematic treatment, with NJPW revealing at Wrestle Kingdom 17 on January 4 that a movie based on Inoki’s life is in the works.

No details have been revealed as to the content of the film, nor who is attached in terms of cast and crew, but it is sure to make for a fascinating watch, such was Inoki’s career going from protege of the great Rikidozan, through to his friendly professional rivalry with former tag partner Giant Baba - the founder of All Japan Pro-Wrestling.

Outside of wrestling, Inoki is known for his exhibition fight against Muhammad Ali in 1976 - considered by many as the prototype MMA match - as well as his political career, one that saw Inoki successfully negotiate with Saddam Hussein for the release of Japanese hostages before the outbreak of the Gulf War, as well as using his star power to try and forge diplomatic relationships through wrestling such as the groundbreaking Wrestling Peace Festival events with WCW in North Korea in the 1990s.