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It’s no mean feat to have a boxing legend become the executive producer of your film, but the director and star of “Almighty Zeus,” Chris Soriano managed to do just that – and in a pandemic, no less!
TheThings sat down with Chris and his co-star, Miguel Matos, to hear more about the film that made Manny Pacquiao take notice.
Chris And Miguel Give An Overview Of The Film
In fairness, a film by the name “Almighty Zeus” has a strong chance of capturing attention, based on the title alone.
However, there’s way more to this film than a fancy moniker.
“The movie is about Anti-Asian hate,” Miguel begins.
“As you know, during the Covid pandemic, there was a sentiment that Asian people were responsible, so they faced a lot of assault and abuse. Chris wanted to do something about it – but he wanted to do something untraditional.”
That untraditional approach came in the form of a boxing film, the actor continues – and there’s an important reason why.
“In the sport of boxing, at the end of all fights, they always hug at the end. You go through a literal battle, but come together in understanding. Unless the opponents really, really hate each other, they always respect each other.”
Chris nods.
“I wanted to promote more unity between races in the space of boxing, because that’s the place where if you do have any hate, you work it out in the ring.”
Given the premise, it only makes sense that Manny Pacquiao was excited to get involved – but how did they connect with him?
Chris Sent Manny A DM, And The Rest Is History
It goes down in the DM, indeed!
Asked how he connected with his now-producer, Chris laughs, “I just reached out via Instagram!”
“When I shot off the message, I didn’t really think there would be a chance we’d get something back. However, that’s kind of become our journey this while movie. Just when you think you’re at a dead end or corner, another blessing or miracle happens.”
“I sent off the message,” he continues, “and Manny’s team responded right away.”
“From there, they were like ‘Yeah, absolutely, we would love to share this message.'”
And, just like that, a movie was born.
Chris And Miguel Share How They Met
As for how Chris and Miguel teamed up, Chris shares that he used social media to find his perfect ‘Coach Green.’
“When I wrote this story, I really wanted someone that had this unique quality, this ‘X-factor,’ and I started looking through people’s profiles online. I didn’t have a casting director, so it was pretty challenging – but I saw Miguel’s photo, and I was like, ‘That’s Coach Green!'”
Once again, Chris shot over a DM – and once again, he had some doubts he’d hear back.
“He was probably thinking, ‘This is weird, why is a director hitting me up?’ But he was so down to audition.”
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At that, Miguel laughs, sharing that he thought it was unlikely he’d get the part even if he had got a personal request from Chris.
After all, he’s a New Yorker, and the film was shot in LA.
“I didn’t think there was any way they were going to call me, so I said, ‘Let’s do it anyway,’ and I added a little spin to it.”
Turns out, it was the spin that sealed the deal.
“In the first five seconds, I thought, ‘I’ve got to put this guy in the movie,” Chris shares – though Miguel still can’t quite believe it.
“He got back to me and was like, ‘You added words I didn’t have in the script, but that was really good!’ I was like ‘… You liked that?'”
As for what sealed the deal from Miguel’s side, he shares that the sample trailer was all it took.
“I said, ‘I’ve got to be a part of this.'”
So, What’s Next For These Co-Stars?
Seeing the chemistry between Chris and Miguel, it’s easy to see why they were so eager to work together.
“We’ve got this relationship where he’s like my brother, but also a father figure and a mentor – all that, wrapped in a bow,” Chris beams.
Our question? What’s next for the duo?
“I’m really trying to develop Almighty Zeus 2 with Miguel – that’s my dream.”
Chris adds that he hopes to see the film turn into a franchise, à la Rocky.
Miguel smiles at the thought – and in the meantime, he has another project in the works.
Just don’t expect him to give too much away yet.
“I’m working on a movie and I play a real bad guy – like, the devil on someone’s shoulder.”
Until that releases, we’ll have Almighty Zeus to keep us at the edge of our seats.
If Manny Pacquiao was blown away, this is sure to be a film for the ages.
Almighty Zeus releases in select theaters on December 2.
