Anthony Robles Says the 'Scariest Part' ofUnstoppableAdapting His Incredible Wrestling Story Was 'That Loss of Control' (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

Anthony Robles / Unstoppable.Photo:Emma McIntyre/Getty; Courtesy of TIFF

Emma McIntyre/Getty; Courtesy of TIFF

The new wrestling dramaUnstoppableis based on the remarkable real-life story of a man born with one leg who fights his way to becoming an NCAA champion. For its subject Anthony Robles, seeing his story on the big screen is a complicated — and cathartic — process.

“I tried to hold my emotions in as much as I can, but it was just an instant wave at the very end,” he tells PEOPLE of seeingthe movie premiereon Friday, Sept. 6 at theToronto International Film Festival.

Entrusting the filmmaking team, which includes director William Goldenberg and producersBen AffleckandMatt Damon, to adapt the bestselling memoir he co-wrote with Austin Murphy required a leap of faith, Robles tells PEOPLE.

Judith Robles and Anthony Robles.Emma McIntyre/Getty

Emma McIntyre/Getty

“It was told so beautifully,” Robles says. “It respected what we went through, but also at the same time it captured where our strength came from.”

For lead actor and producer Jerome, 26, the scariest part of filming was portraying Robles accurately onscreen. “I’ve been involved since 2019,” theWhen They See UsEmmy winner says ofUnstoppable. “This is basically my first time where it’s gone far beyond the character that I’m trying to become. Anthony and I have built a friendship. I’ve gone to his home in Arizona. I’ve spent time with him in his backyard grilling with his family.”

That close connection “informed a lot of the performance,” says Jerome. “Just kind of watching his mannerisms and staying quiet.”

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Unstoppable.Amazon MGM Studios

Amazon MGM Studios

The hardest part of playing Robles at the peak of his wrestling career? While difficult for Jerome to pinpoint “between the gym and the diet and the sleeping and the lifting,” it may be the calluses under his armpits from walking so often with crutches like the real athlete.

Unstoppable, from Amazon MGM Studios, will be in limited theaters this December and streaming on Prime Video. The Toronto International Film Festival runs through Sept. 15.

source: people.com