Nick Sasso turned his love for Muay Thai into his acting and directorial debut with Haymaker.

In the film, he plays the lead Nicky ‘Mitts’ Malloy, a bouncer who specializes in Muay Thai hand-to-hand combat techniques.

The film also stars Nomi Ruiz (Mayans M.C.), John Ventimiglia (The Sopranos), Veronica Falcon (Queen of the South), Udo Kier (Brawl in Cell Block 99), Zoe Bell (Once Upon a Time in Hollywood), and D.B. Sweeney (The Cutting Edge).

Here’s the synopsis:

After his career in the ring comes to a crossroads, Nick, a retired Muay Thai fighter, drifts through the New York nightlife scene until he accepts a job as the bodyguard of international singing performer Nomi. Initially unhappy about the arrangement, Nick finds himself drawn to the enigmatic trans woman he now works for. As the two travel from Greece to Los Angeles to Bangkok to Mexico City, Nick makes the decision to get back into the ring aided by his supportive brother (Sweeney) and his coach (Bell). But while Nick knows this fight is his last best chance at redemption—his “haymaker” punch, his Hail Mary pass—he has to figure out what he and Nomi mean to each other.

ALSO CHECK OUT: Nomi Ruiz Talks Romantic Lead and Performing in Haymaker [Exclusive Interview]

LRM Online’s Gig Patta spoke with actor and director Nick Sasso. We talked about his origination of the story, Muay Thai, and globetrotting to multiple locations for the film.

Haymaker marks Nick Sasso’s directorial and acting debut. He had been on the crew for productions, including The Sopranos, Angels in America, and Boardwalk Empire.

Haymaker is in select theaters, On Demand, and digital today.

Watch the exclusive interview with Nick Sasso below. Let us know what you think.

Source: LRM Online Exclusive, Gravitas Ventures