The Tom Billington Story
Feature film · Pre-production · Mercian Films
Dynamite
Dynamite tells the true story of Tom Billington, known to the world as The Dynamite Kid, one of Britain's most gifted and influential wrestlers.
Rising from a working-class background, Tom helped redefine professional wrestling. He conquered North America, became a lasting icon in Japan, and alongside the British Bulldogs changed the global perception of British wrestling forever.
But greatness came at a devastating cost.
Behind the success was a man pushed beyond human limits. Physical damage, addiction, violence and unchecked ambition tore through Tom's life. The industry moved on. His body did not. Once a global star, Tom was left wheelchair-bound, living back in a council flat in Wigan, paying the price for a business that celebrated his brilliance and ignored the consequences.
Dynamite is an unflinching character study. A story of triumph and collapse. Of talent, obsession and regret. Told with unprecedented honesty by those closest to him, this film does not seek to excuse or condemn, but to tell the full truth, and ask what happens when a man gives everything to be the best.
Development
From script to screen
Having spent the past year developing the script and speaking directly with those closest to Tom, the film has now moved into pre-production, with the support of the Billington estate and Bret "The Hitman" Hart consulting on the wrestling.
“I watched the trailer for Dynamite and it has only served to whet my appetite for more of this remarkable man's life story.”
Mick FoleyWWE Hall of Famer · 4-time World Champion
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We're making a feature film about Tom "The Dynamite Kid" Billington, a working-class British icon who chased greatness, paid a brutal price, and left a legacy that still echoes today. Join the list for first access to major updates, exclusive behind-the-scenes, and early chances to support the film as it moves toward production.
FAQ
Your questions, answered
Is the Mercian Films movie Dynamite based on a true story?
Yes. Dynamite is a biographical drama based on the true story of Tom Billington, also known as "The Dynamite Kid". The film chronicles his rise from a working-class background in Wigan to becoming a global wrestling icon, and the devastating physical and personal cost of his ambition.
Who produced the movie Dynamite?
Dynamite is produced by Lou Murrall and Andrew Gough for Mercian Films, an independent British production company based in the West Midlands, UK.
Is the Dynamite Kid's family involved in the film?
Yes. The film is being made with the support of the Billington estate, ensuring the story honours Tom Billington's legacy while remaining true to real events.
Is Bret "The Hitman" Hart involved in the production?
Yes. Bret "The Hitman" Hart is consulting on key aspects of the film, specifically providing expertise on the wrestling matches to ensure in-ring authenticity.
What is the plot of the movie Dynamite?
Dynamite follows the life of British wrestler Tom Billington. It explores his intense drive to be the best, his legendary partnership in the British Bulldogs, and his eventual tragic decline due to injuries and addiction. The film is an unflinching look at the price of greatness in professional wrestling.
Is Dynamite a documentary or a feature film?
Dynamite is a narrative feature film, not a documentary. While it is rooted in historical fact and the real life of Tom Billington, it is a dramatised character study designed to confront the harsh realities of his legacy.
Who was The Dynamite Kid?
The Dynamite Kid was the ring name of Tom Billington (1958 to 2018), a highly influential British professional wrestler. He is widely considered one of the most technically gifted in-ring performers in history, known for revolutionising the industry with his speed and athleticism before his career was cut short by injury.