UFC light heavyweight Matt Hamill will be the subject of an upcoming movie entitled "Hamill" about his early life and wrestling career.
Hamill, who entered the UFC via the second season of "The Ultimate Fighter," discussed the flick in a recent interview with UFC.com's Thomas Gerbasi.
The movie, which stars Eben Kostbar, has been criticized by the deaf community because it features a non-deaf actor. Hamill confirmed that two casting calls for the film were canceled due to protests but sticks by he decision to support the actor.
Kostbar, who's appeared in a few television roles and in some smaller-budget movies, is fluent in American Sign Language and has wrestling experience -- and he helped co-write the script for the movie -- but he's been targeted by a segment of the non-deaf community that believes a deaf actor should be picked for the starring role.
"I was really shocked by the reaction," Hamill told UFC.com. "I thought the movie would receive positive feedback from the deaf community because this movie is based on a deaf athlete and the life surrounding his deafness. It hurt at first, but I've come to realize that this is a small portion of the deaf community. With positive things, comes the negative things. If anything, it has kept me grounded."
The movie, which is being promoted as "Million Dollar Baby" meets "Rudy," will feature subtitles throughout the film in hopes the it'll appeal to deaf and hearing audiences.
"Hamill" is set for a 2009 release and is being filmed this fall in Los Angeles and Rochester, N.Y. The low-budget movie is produced by K'Dee Miller and will be directed by Joseph McKelheer.
Hamill (4-1 MMA, 4-1 UFC) last competed at UFC Fight Night 13, where he posted a second-round TKO of Tim Boetsch. He's recently been working with Matt Serra and UFC vice president of regulatory affairs Marc Ratner to gather political support to legalize MMA in New York State.
