The actor who played Taylor Keita in Netflix’sThe Cage, Melvin Boomer, has a wholesome real-world connection to MMA (mixed martial arts) that made his story even better.The Cageis, largely, not a wholesome show. Taylor’s first foray into the world of professional MMA fighting was fraught with setbacks, betrayals, and depressing moments, and theending ofThe Cagestruck an unusually dark note. Luckily, Melvin Boomer has a much more uplifting real-world story to offsetThe Cage’s often bleak narrative.
Thecast ofThe Cageis filled with up-and-coming young French actors, like Melvin Boomer himself. It’s also filled with long-time veterans of French cinema, andThe Cagealso features several real MMA fighters, like Georges St-Pierre and Jon Jones. All of the actors inThe Cagebrought something unique to the screen, but Melvin Boomer brought his acting talents and a secret connection to MMA. While Boomer and several of his younger co-stars don’t have many acting credits yet, they do have a history beyond the camera, and Boomer’s actually helped him succeed inThe Cage.
Taylor’s Actor Melvin Boomer’s Father Was An MMA Fighter In Real Life
Melvin Boomer’s Father Said He’s Proud His Son Played Taylor In The Cage
Melvin Boomer didn’t just play an MMA fighter inThe Cage, he was born to one.Boomer’s father is currently a Brazilian jiu-jitsu fighter, but he was an MMA fighter during Melvin’s childhood(viaSchön!). Boomer said that his father fought MMA before it was legal in France, around 2010, almost a decade before it was legalized. His father also said he’s proud his son got the chance to play Taylor, and Melvin said he was honoring his father’s dream of being a professional fighter.
“My father is very, very proud. What’s beautiful in this story is the fact that I embody, in a way, the fighter he couldn’t be. He began when he was super young, and at a time when MMA weren’t as accessible as they are nowadays. Now, with social media, if you’re a young fighter, you can get ahead.”
Boomer’s words ring true, especially sinceThe Cageincludes the potential of social media to create an overnight sensation. It almost feels like the character of Taylor was created specifically with Boomer’s father in mind. Boomer also talked about how special it was to be part of the first completely MMA-focused television series, as opposed to those about boxing or other martial arts styles.
Melvin Boomer’s Real-Life Connection To MMA Made The Cage Even Better
Melvin Boomer’s MMA-Filled Childhood Gave Him Valuable Insights Into Taylor
Melvin Boomer’s history with MMA makes for a heartwarming story, but it also madeThe Cageeven better. Since he grew up with a father who fought MMA, Boomer was also exposed to the sport for most of his life.He didn’t go into MMA himself, but Boomer actually took up capoeira, another form of martial arts, and even break dancing and parkour. Boomer himself even said that his MMA-filled childhood helped him perform inThe Cage.
“…[I]t gave me incredible insight into the behind-the-scenes, to know what goes on before a fight in the changing rooms, the mindset of a fighter.”
Having that background knowledge of MMA almost surely made playing Taylor easier for Boomer.The Cageis a true deep dive into MMA, from fighting techniques and styles, rules and regulations, leagues, and even stars of the sport. Boomer nailed them all, and everything from his choreography in fight scenes to Taylor’s passion for MMA was incredibly convincing.Many ofThe Cage’s stars probably had to learn about some aspects of MMA or at the very least train to be capable of all the sport’s physical demands, but Boomer had a head start thanks to his father.
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As Boomer noted, his father’s fighting also helped him understand Taylor on a deeper level, which absolutely showed in his performance. He clearly knew what makes a fighter tick, as well as the psychological aspects that can make the difference between a victory and a loss in a close fight. Without that background, Boomer wouldn’t have been able to make Taylor such a convincing and sympathetic protagonist, andThe Cagewould have suffered for it. It’s rare that an actor gets to play a role that hits so close to home, but Melvin Boomer seized his chance to do so inThe Cage.
The Cage
Cast
The Cage follows a young fighter aiming for professional success, who faces challenges in gaining recognition until a chance opportunity pits him against a fierce rival in the competitive arena. Released in 2024, the film explores themes of ambition and rivalry in the world of combat sports.
