Wanda Sykes is taking an unexpected and powerful turn in her career with her first‑ever dramatic lead role in the upcoming boxing drama Undercard. The newly released trailer reveals Sykes in a performance far removed from her well‑known comedic persona, portraying a former champion fighter battling personal demons while trying to repair a fractured family bond.
Directed by Tamika Miller and co‑written by Miller and Anita M. Cal, Undercard follows Cheryl “No Mercy” Stewart, a two‑time boxing champion and recovering alcoholic who attempts to reconnect with the adult son she once abandoned. Her son Keith, played by Bentley Green, is a naturally gifted fighter whose raw talent lacks the discipline needed to rise in the sport. The trailer highlights the emotional tension between mother and son as they confront resentment, trauma, and the possibility of redemption.
The film features a strong ensemble cast including Estella Kahiha, Xavier Mills, William Stanford Davis, Berto Colón, and Roselyn Sánchez. Sykes also serves as an executive producer alongside Holly Levow, Mark Pennell, and Paul Kampf, signaling her deep investment in the project both on‑screen and behind the scenes.
Early reactions to the trailer note how effectively Sykes steps into the dramatic space, with the footage emphasizing emotional stakes over traditional boxing‑movie formulas. Her portrayal of a woman fighting for sobriety, forgiveness, and a second chance suggests a compelling performance that could redefine how audiences see her.
Undercard is slated for theatrical release on February 27, bringing a fresh, character‑driven story to the boxing genre — and marking a milestone moment in Wanda Sykes’ already remarkable career.
Watch the trailer below;
