Luiii (AKA Luise Grossmann) stars as Toni in Uppercut, reprising her role from the original German film Leberhaken.
Synopsis: Golden Globe® winner Ving Rhames and Luiii star in an electrifying film about Toni, a determined female boxer trying to break down barriers as she redefines what it means to be a woman in today’s world. When Elliott (Rhames), a tough ex-boxing champion, accepts the challenge to train Toni , the two mismatched characters form an unlikely alliance. Their sparring and Elliott’s keen insights show the resilient young fighter that real strength comes from the challenges you overcome when life throws its biggest punches your way.
Written and directed by Torsten Ruether, Uppercut also stars Ving Rhames, Jordan E. Cooper, and Joanna Cassidy.
Check out our interview with Luiii:
Before making her mark as an actress, Luiii was a professional athlete, specializing in pole vaulting. Her athletic background has not only shaped her approach to acting but also imbued her with a unique physicality and discipline that she brings to every role. This athleticism is particularly evident in her portrayal of Toni Williams in Uppercut, where she seamlessly blends physical prowess with emotional depth.
Luiii’s journey from the world of competitive sports to the glitz and glamour of Hollywood is a testament to her determination and passion. In Uppercut, she plays a character that mirrors herself in many ways — a woman striving to break barriers and prove herself in a male-dominated world. Toni’s character is one of strength, grit, and unwavering resolve, and Luiii’s portrayal is nothing short of transformative. She captures the nuances of a woman who is both vulnerable and formidable, someone who has been knocked down by life but refuses to stay down.
Luiii’s casting as Toni is particularly significant, as she brings an authentic understanding of what it means to push one’s physical and mental limits. Her background in sports provides a layer of realism to the intense training and boxing scenes, making her performance much more believable and inspiring. Beyond her physical capabilities, her ability to convey complex emotions and internal conflicts makes Toni a fully realized character who resonates with audiences on a profound level.
