Full Breakdown
Sheldon Candis’ “They Fight” Returns to Baltimore as a Hulu/Disney+ Release
7/17/2026, 8:47:16 PM
Film Launch and Core Details
On Friday, July 17, 2026, the coming-of-age boxing drama “They Fight” debuted on Hulu and Disney+ after premiering at the Tribeca Film Festival. Directed by Baltimore native Sheldon Candis, the feature stars André Holland as ex-boxer Walt Manigan, Wendell Pierce as coach Slim, and a cast of teenage boxers. Though the story is set in Washington, D.C., Candis chose Baltimore for its “real-life soundstage,” filming across Reservoir Hill, Charles Village and Cherry Hill.
Background & Production Context
Candis first attracted attention with his 2012 Sundance entry “Luv,” which earned writing and drama nominations but received mixed reviews. After directing TV episodes and the 2017 ESPN documentary “Baltimore Boys,” he struggled to secure financing for a second feature until enrolling in a Sundance program for follow-up projects. The film adapts a 2018 documentary of the same name, focusing on pre-teen boxers—a narrative Candis described as “a ‘Karate Kid’-type story” that highlights resilience through hard work.
Key Figures
- Sheldon Candis – Director, USC film-school graduate, Baltimore native.
- André Holland – Actor (Walt Manigan), known for “Moonlight” and “Selma.”
- Wendell Pierce – Actor (Slim), noted for “The Wire” and “Superman.”
- Jason Michael Berman – Producer, founder of A/Vantage Pictures, Pikesville native.
- Josh Slates – Director, Maryland Film Office.
- Governor Wes Moore – Maryland governor, cited economic impact figures.
Data & Economic Impact
- Production budget: $7 million.
- Shoot length: 19 days, employing 375 jobs.
- Generated approximately $9.4 million in economic impact, according to Governor Moore.
- Benefited from Maryland’s 28 % refundable tax credit for film productions.
Official Statements & Responses
Candis emphasized the personal significance of filming in his hometown, noting that the tax credit helped make the project viable while allowing Baltimore to “win.” Josh Slates said the state aims to position Maryland as an attractive destination for Hollywood, citing the job creation and local spending as evidence of success. Governor Moore highlighted the $9.4 million impact as a tangible benefit of supporting regional filmmaking. Veteran actor Andre Royo, who encouraged Candis after “Luv,” praised the director’s perseverance, saying he “kept up the good work, keep the fight.”
Criticism & Opposition
No critical commentary or opposition was presented in the available sources; coverage focused on the film’s production, thematic intent, and economic contributions.
On-the-Ground Perspective: Sports as Life Lessons
In an interview with Chiefs Wire, Wendell Pierce reflected on the young cast’s influence, stating that their presence “taught me a lot… they reminded me of how present you have to be.” He linked the discipline of youth boxing to broader life lessons, describing sports as “a great example of life itself, and the highs and the lows, and how to face adversity, and deal with disappointments and triumph when you dedicate yourself to something.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “My feet are in L.A., but my heart’s in Baltimore,” — Sheldon Candis, Director
- “I’m not some huge box-office director, but I’m also not somebody still wondering, woulda, shoulda, coulda,” — Sheldon Candis, Director
- “The great thing about sports is the fact that it is a great example of life itself, and the highs and the lows, and how to face adversity, and deal with disappointments and triumph when you dedicate yourself to something," said Pierce.” — Wendell Pierce, Actor
- “You honor the lives of the people, but you know also it's not a one-to-one.” — Sheldon Candis, Interview on screenplay development
What’s Next
Candis indicated early talks to direct a second boxing film and another Baltimore-based project, signaling continued investment in stories rooted in his hometown.
