Picture: Netflix
Netflix has started production on its new biopic boxing feature film headlined by Miguel Herrán, which’ll tell the story of boxing legend Policarpo “Poli” Díaz. It’s filming across Madrid and Segovia.
Inspired by the life of a boxer, also known as the famed “Colt from Vallecas.” The film is being directed by Daniel Calparsoro, who has previously worked with Netflix on the 2018 film The Warning, plus Centauro, and also previously alongside Miguel Herrán on the 2021 Sky High movie and again on the series that followed two years later.
Herrán notably played Aníbal Cortés (also known as Rio) throughout the course of Netflix’s megahit series Money Heist. Roles away from Netflix include Prison 77, Nothing in Return, and Los Farad.
Based on true events, the story follows Policarpo “Poli” Díaz (Herrán), a young man from Vallecas who overcame a childhood shaped by poverty and domestic violence to become a boxing legend in 1980s Spain, even earning a shot at the world lightweight title. But as fame and fortune take hold, he’s drawn into a life of excess, where drugs and reckless choices threaten to unravel everything he’s built. It’s a powerful story of triumph and downfall, as Poli faces the toughest opponent of all, himself.
Netflix has heavily utilized the cast (and indeed the creators) of Money Heist since the final season wrapped, with many going on to lead their own slate of Netflix movies and series. Miguel Herrán has appeared in several titles, such as Sky High, Elite, and, most recently, in the limited series Bank Under Siege.
Alongside the announcement of production beginning, Netflix also released a short 30-second teaser clip on its Spanish YouTube channel:
In a statement by director Calparsoro (translated into English using Google Translate), he said, “This is a fast-paced story about the struggle of a young man who comes from nowhere, a boxer who reaches the top of the sport and fame, but lacks the cultural and emotional tools to manage his success. It’s the story of a young man facing his demons who became the people’s champion, a symbol of overcoming obstacles.”
Produced by Alea Media, Aitor Gabilondo (Salvador, Patria) serves as an executive producer alongside Calparsoro. The screenplay is written by Carlos Franco, with cinematography by Tommie Ferreras.
We’ve got much more to come on Netflix’s upcoming slate of Spanish-language movies and series (including a recently released mega-guide to everything expected in 2026 and beyond) so stay tuned to What’s on Netflix for the latest.
Rating: TV-MA
