EXCLUSIVE: Ryan Destiny Talks Bringing Claressa Shields’ Story to Life in ‘The Fire Inside’

Now in theaters, The Fire Inside follows the true story of female boxer, Claressa Shields. The story follows Claressa as she begins her boxing career as a high schooler in Flint, Michigan to the aftermath of her becoming the first American female to win an Olympic gold medal.

We got the chance to hear from Ryan Destiny about how she landed the role in the film, Claressa’s story, bringing the character to life, and so much more. Check out what she had to say below.

On where she was when this story came to her and why did she want to be a part of this film:

“I think I was in LA. I was working on another project at the time and it came in just like any other project does with your team to audition. So, I just went in for it and I did my self-tape not thinking too much of it because I just knew how competitive it would be. I knew how special the project was and how incredible everyone was that was behind it. It was just a thing where I was like, ‘Let’s just see how this goes and let’s see what happens’. So it was fairly normal just like any other thing you do. And then the callbacks came and I was really shocked that that even happened itself. So yeah, it was really cool. But I was out in LA during that time in my life.”

On how Claressa’s story was new to her:

“It was a lot of new information. I think for all of us, it was just unbelievable that we didn’t know much about the story. And I think that’s also for other people that need to really see this film and get familiar and understand the history that she’s made and how iconic she is. It was just crazy to learn so much more when I had to audition.”

On how she balanced both Claressa’s strength and vulnerability and what was the most challenging part for her bring to life:

“It was very important for me to show the dynamics of who Claressa is. She is so superhuman and to a lot of people, they see the strong parts, the parts that are extremely confident and just ready to fight, ready to go, you know?

But she is a human, and so there’s other parts of her and she is vulnerable. She is very kind, she is very empathetic. She cares for her family for the people around her. And I just loved being able to highlight those moments within the film itself and just really showing the heart of who she is. And the buildup, you know? It takes time to get to that point of being extremely sure of yourself. You don’t like start that way from birth.

There’s moments in your life that get you to that point. So it was just very beautiful to be able to do. And it was something that I found challenging in the ways where I had to make sure that I could have that fighter in me. That very ferocious energy that she has and trying to make sure it was authentic and something that also felt grounded at the same time.”

On how that ferocious energy was the scariest part for her:

“That was probably the scariest part for me, aside from the physical. Was just making sure I could execute that in a way that was believable because an athlete’s mindset is so different than the regular human being. So it was something that I just wanted to make sure I got right.”

On being mistaken for Claressa as she was filming in Flint:

“I remember running down, and I heard people be like, ‘Yo, Claressa.’ And they’re, like, pointing down, like trying to see if that’s her, or if it’s the film. I’m like, it’s clearly, you see the camera. It’s definitely not.”

On what she hopes people will take away from being able to see this relationship between Claressa and Jason that may be so different from what has been seen in other films about boxing:

“Obviously, we can count on one hand how many female boxing there are. So with this one in particular, obviously it’s a true story, and I just feel like the dynamic between the two just feels a little different. I might be a little biased, but it’s very authentic. It’s just so, so special, you know. And I think you see that when you do watch the film, and I hope others do too.”

On what she told herself to get into the fighter’s mindset when she was on the set of this film:

“Mine was, what would Claressa do. I think I just kept thinking about her every single day. And whenever I needed to be reminded of something, be reminded of just the energy that you needed to have, I would also look her up. I would look at what she’s saying. I would look at the documentary that was downloaded on my computer for reference any time I needed it. I would just need some sort of rejuvenation of just a reminder of that energy that you need to have. I think it was literally ‘What would Claressa do at this moment.’ Because she is my inspiration, literally, even outside of the film.

I think everyone should have that confidence that she embodies. And being able to speak life into herself I think is so, so important for us as humans to be able to do. I think a lot of people shy away from that because they think it’s egotistical or whatever it may be. They just think you shouldn’t feel so good about yourself. But you absolutely should. And that’s something that I know I’ve taken away from the entire experience in itself. But yeah, I would definitely think of her. ”

On what message does she hope audiences will take away from The Fire Inside:

“I always would love for people to understand what it takes to be a female athlete, especially in a sport that is male-dominated. And understand how powerful and exciting and fun women are to watch. Just as much as men are. I really, really hope that it shines a light and continues the movement that female athletes have been having these past few years and continues to push that narrative of them being just as great, you know? So hopefully, it just adds on to that and continues growing. ‘Cause it’s come a long way, but it still has a long way to go.”

The Fire Inside in now in theaters nationwide.

Photo Credit: Eric Charbonneau/Amazon MGM Studios via Getty Images

*This interview has been edited for length and clarity