Director Stephen Merchant discusses Fighting with My Family

February 18, 2019

A DGA Q&A in Los Angeles

A young woman takes an unusual path to fame and fortune in Director Stephen Merchant’s new comedic biopic, Fighting with My Family.

Based on the incredible true story of wrestling superstar Saraya “Paige” Bevis, Merchant’s film reveals how she was born into a tight-knit wrestling family that earned their living traveling around England performing and dreaming of the big stage in America. When Paige and her brother Zak get a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to try out for pinnacle of the sport, World Wrestling Entertainment, they are ecstatic. But after only Paige earns a spot in the highly competitive WWE training program, she must find the courage to leave her family and face this new world alone.

Following the DGA membership screening in Los Angeles on February 17, Merchant sat down with Director Rawson Marshall Thurber (Skyscraper) to discuss the making of Fighting with My Family.

In addition to Fighting with My Family, Merchant’s credits include the feature film Cemetery Junction; and episodes of the series Hello Ladies, Life’s Too Short, The Office and Extras. Merchant has been a DGA member since 2008.

You can listen to Merchant's Q&A by clicking the podcast episode embedded below. You can find more DGA podcast episodes here.

Pictures

Event photos by Trixie Textor - Print courtesy of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.

View slideshow

Director Stephen Merchant speaks about the making of his new comedic biopic, Fighting with My Family, following the DGA membership screening in Los Angeles.

Florence Pugh as “Paige” in Director Stephen Merchant’s Fighting with My Family.

Director Stephen Merchant (right) speaks about the making of Fighting with My Family with Director Rawson Marshall Thurber (moderator) following the DGA membership screening in Los Angeles.

Jack Lowden, Florence Pugh and Dwayne Johnson in Director Stephen Merchant’s Fighting with My Family.

Director Rawson Marshall Thurber (moderator) asks Director Stephen Merchant a question about the making of Merchant’s new comedic biopic, Fighting with My Family, following the DGA membership screening in Los Angeles.

Lena Headey, Florence Pugh and Nick Frost in Director Stephen Merchant’s Fighting with My Family.

Directors Rawson Marshall Thurber (moderator) and Stephen Merchant pose for a photo following the Los Angeles DGA membership screening of Merchant’s new comedic biopic, Fighting with My Family.

Vince Vaughn, Jack Lowden and Florence Pugh in Director Stephen Merchant’s Fighting with My Family.

Calendar

9/4/2025 - 9/10/2025