A couple weeks ago, the official trailer for the new movie “Bigger” was released, and boy does it look awesome. To many unknowing fans, this trailer looks like a movie about a young Arnold Schwarzenegger and his journey to the famed 1970 Mr. Olympia bodybuilding contest. And while yes, he’s a critical part of the film (from what we can tell), the real story is focused on Joe and Ben Weider (primarily Joe) who helped create a fitness movement that’s still being felt in the industry today.
For those who don’t know, Joe and Ben Weider were two brothers who founded the International Federation of Bodybuilders (IFBB). Joe Weider most notably created the Mr. Olympia, the Ms. Olympia ,and the Masters Olympia bodybuilding contests. Outside of founding the largest bodybuilding federation and contests in the world, Joe Weider also published a ton of popular publications including: Muscle & Fitness, Flex, Men’s Fitness, and Shape, and manufactured fitness equipment, all of which still have influence on the industry today.
Now, back to the trailer. It might be premature, but this movie looks awesome. This film is the first Hollywood scripted movie that documents the birth and transition of the fitness industry in the United States, so we [BarBend] have high expectations. Also, score another point for the strength industry for breaking into Hollywood.
The movie tells the tale of how Joe Weider, along side his brother, built a massive fitness empire from nothing, and recounts all of the adversity they faced along the way. The trailer opens with Joe Weider (played by Tyler Hoechlin) talking to a young Arnold Schwarzenegger (played by Calum Von Moger) saying,
“Hello Arnold, my name is Joe Weider, how would you like to be the face of bodybuilding.”
The movie is set to release in select theaters on October 12th.
[Want more movie trailers? Check out the recent trailer for Generation Iron 3!]
Outside of action packed cast, this film features a ton of major fitness cameos. For example, there’s a beach scene where bodybuilder Steve Cook makes an appearance. Also, Schwarzenegger’s rival in the movie (and at the time in 1970) Sergio Oliva is played by Oliva’s son Sergio Oliva Jr., and there’s even an appearance from professional bodybuilder Arash Rahbar who portrays the bodybuilding icon Frank Zane.
We don’t know about you, but we’re super hopeful that this movie is released in a theater near us!
Feature image from ONE Media YouTube channel.