Get ready to witness Orlando Bloom like you’ve never seen him before—stepping into the ring, both literally and metaphorically, in the gripping boxing drama The Cut. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is this the role that finally sheds his movie-star image for good? Let’s dive in.
Director Sean Ellis’s intense and emotionally charged film is set to make its streaming debut on Paramount+ on November 1, as The Hollywood Reporter has exclusively revealed. After a limited theatrical release following its premiere at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival, The Cut is now ready to reach a wider audience. But don’t let the streaming release fool you—this is a story that packs a punch, both in the ring and in its exploration of ambition, sacrifice, and redemption.
At the heart of the film is Bloom’s portrayal of an Irish boxer whose once-promising career has hit a wall. Now working at his hometown gym, he’s given one last shot to prove himself. And this is the part most people miss: His journey isn’t just physical—it’s a raw, unflinching look at the extremes someone will go to for a second chance. To make weight for the fight, he pushes his body and mind to the brink, raising questions about the cost of chasing glory. Is it worth it? That’s for you to decide.
Bloom isn’t alone in this gritty tale. The cast includes powerhouse performers like Caitríona Balfe, John Turturro, Gary Beadle, and Clare Dunne, each bringing depth to a story that’s as much about human resilience as it is about boxing. Ellis, known for his work on The Cursed, directs from a script by Justin Bull, with Mark Lane credited for the story. Behind the scenes, Bloom himself joins Lane, Leonora Darby, James Harris, Adam Karasick, Bret Saxon, and Thomas Fanning as producers.
This isn’t Bloom’s first foray into challenging roles this year. Earlier, he starred in Amazon MGM Studios’ action-comedy Deep Cover, and he’s set to appear alongside Pete Davidson and Naomi Scott in David Michôd’s Wizards!. But The Cut feels different. In a previous interview with THR, Bloom opened up about his evolving career: “I feel like I was groomed to be a movie star when I was younger, but now all bets are off. I want to burn the barn down with my performance. I’m not afraid of anything anymore. If a role terrifies me because it challenges me, that’s what I want to do.”
The Cut is a testament to that fearless approach. It’s a film that doesn’t shy away from the darker corners of its characters’ lives, inviting viewers to question their own limits. Here’s the bold question: Does Bloom’s performance in The Cut mark a turning point in his career, or is it just another step in his ongoing evolution? Let us know what you think in the comments.
For those eager to see Bloom in this transformative role, mark your calendars for November 1. And if you haven’t already, sign up for THR newsletters to stay updated on all the latest in film and entertainment. This is one fight you won’t want to miss.
