**EXCLUSIVE: Daisy Ridley to Star in True Story of ICU Nurse Turned MMA Fighter in “Killa Bee”**
Star Wars alum Daisy Ridley is set to star in *Killa Bee*, a gripping new film based on the true story of Bryony Tyrell, an ICU nurse who transformed into a ferocious MMA fighter.
Bryony Tyrell is a mother of two, holding a master’s degree in nursing alongside a degree in molecular biology. By day, she worked on the ICU, navigating the demanding challenges of the NHS. By night, she became one of Britain’s leading cage fighting prospects.
The Southampton nurse began kickboxing while at university and steadily earned her black belt before expanding into other martial arts disciplines. Bryony started competing as an amateur before turning professional, winning multiple belts along the way.
Daisy Ridley expressed her excitement about the project, stating:
“Bryony’s story is one of extraordinary courage and resilience. I was deeply moved by her emotional and empowering journey. I can’t wait to bring her spirit to the screen.”
**Production and Creative Team**
Capture is launching world sales for *Killa Bee* ahead of next week’s American Film Market. Production is scheduled to begin in the second quarter of 2026.
The film is written by Ruth Sewell and will be directed by Kenton Oxley, known for his work on *Farah*. The project is being produced by Knockout Productions in association with Picture Perfect and Moviehouse Entertainment.
Producers on the film include Lucinda Thakrar (*Boudica: Queen of War*), Mark Vennis (*Funny Cow*), with Michael Foster serving as executive producer.
Bryony Tyrell has been actively involved in the project from the start, working closely alongside director Kenton Oxley, a longtime friend since their school days. The producers highlighted:
“Bryony is supportive of her inspirational story being brought to the screen and is actively consulting on the project. The scripting process has been shaped through close dialogue with Bryony’s family, ensuring emotional truth and creative integrity at every turn. Kenton brings a deeply personal lens to the story—one rooted in trust, history, and fierce creative loyalty.”
**Industry Response and Ridley’s Recent Work**
International sales manager Nathan Wang, who brokered the deal with the producers, shared:
“It’s a true honour to be working on this highly original, raw, inspirational, and ultimately unforgettable project. It’s our first time partnering with Daisy Ridley, and we cannot wait to see her bring Bryony’s grit, vulnerability, and sheer inspirational drive to the screen.”
Ridley, widely recognized for her role as Rey in the Star Wars sequel trilogy, recently starred in the action film *The Cleaner* and is currently in post-production on the romantic comedy *The Last Resort*.
Capture’s recent slate includes titles like crime comedy *Riff Raff*, shark thriller *Above & Below*, and crime thriller *Spring Breakers 2: Salvation Mountain*.
Stay tuned for more updates on *Killa Bee* as production gears up for 2026.
https://deadline.com/2025/11/daisy-ridley-nurse-turned-mma-fighter-killa-bee-true-story-1236605247/