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EXCLUSIVE: Star Wars alum Daisy Ridley is set to star in the true story of an ICU nurse who became a ferocious MMA fighter. Killa Bee will tell the story of Bryony Tyrell, a mother of two with a master’s degree in nursing and a degree in molecular biology who worked on the ICU by day, navigating the challenges of the NHS, and at night transformed into one of Britain’s leading cage fighting prospects. The Southampton nurse began kickboxing at university and worked her way up to black belt before branching out into martial arts. She began competing as an amateur before moving to the professional ranks and has won multiple belts. Ridley said today: “Bryony’s story is one of extraordinary courage and resilience. I was deeply moved by her emotional and empowering journey. I can’t wait to bring her spirit to the screen”. Capture will be launching world sales on the project ahead of next week’s American Film Market. Production is being lined up to begin Q2, 2026. Written by Ruth Sewell, the film will be directed by Kenton Oxley (Farah) and produced by Knockout Productions in association with Picture Perfect and Moviehouse Entertainment. The producing team includes producers Lucinda Thakrar (Boudica: Queen of War), Mark Vennis (Funny Cow) and executive producer Michael Foster. The producers added: “Bryony Tyrell has been involved in the project with Kenton Oxley since the beginning and is supportive of her inspirational story being brought to the screen. She is actively consulting on the project. The scripting process has been shaped in close dialogue with Bryony’s family, ensuring emotional truth and creative integrity at every turn. Director Kenton, a longtime friend of Bryony’s since their school days, brings a deeply personal lens to the story—one rooted in trust, history, and fierce creative loyalty.” International sales manager Nathan Wang, who brokered the deal with the producers, commented: “It’s a true honour to be working on this highly original, raw, inspirational, and ultimately unforgettable project. It’s our first time partnering with Daisy Ridley, and we cannot wait to see her bring Byony’s grit, vulnerability and sheer inspirational drive to the screen.” Ridley, who plays Rey in the Star Wars sequel trilogy, recently starred in action pic The Cleaner and is in post on rom-com The Last Resort. Capture’s recent slate includes crime comedy Riff Raff, shark thriller Above & Below, and crime-thriller Spring Breakers 2: Salvation Mountain.
