Counterpunch Boxing Film Sequel Announced with Returning Cast

The 2013 indie drama about a young fighter overcoming mental health challenges will get a follow-up 13 years later.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 10:52pm

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An abstract close-up photograph of worn, weathered boxing gloves in dramatic high-contrast studio lighting, conveying the physical and emotional challenges of the sport through texture and shadow.The upcoming Counterpunch sequel promises to continue exploring the physical and emotional toll of boxing, capturing the sport's gritty realities through a lens of personal resilience.Today in Miami

The 2013 boxing film Counterpunch, which starred Danny Trejo and focused on a young fighter battling mental health issues on his path to the Golden Gloves, is getting a sequel. Original co-writer, producer, and star Alvaro Orlando will return to write and produce the new film under his Unbreakable Studios banner, with Alexis Knapp joining the cast after recently working with Orlando on another project.

Why it matters

The original Counterpunch was a modest indie success that explored important themes around mental health and perseverance in the world of professional boxing. A sequel has the potential to continue that narrative and bring more awareness to these issues, while also providing a platform for diverse storytelling in the sports drama genre.

The details

Casting is currently underway for the Counterpunch sequel, though it's unclear if Danny Trejo or Steven Bauer will reprise their roles from the original film. The new installment will again focus on a young boxer's journey, this time exploring "the silent battles so many people face, and the strength it takes to keep going when no one is watching." Producer Alvaro Orlando aims to balance the dramatic sports narrative with themes of "compassion and how we show up for ourselves and for those who cannot fight for themselves."

  • The original Counterpunch film was released in 2013.
  • Casting talks for the sequel are currently underway in 2026.

The players

Alvaro Orlando

The co-writer, producer, and star of the original Counterpunch film, who is returning to write and produce the sequel under his Unbreakable Studios banner.

Alexis Knapp

An actress who has joined the cast of the Counterpunch sequel after recently working with Orlando on another project.

Danny Trejo

The veteran actor who played a supporting role in the original Counterpunch film as the protagonist's crisis counselor.

Steven Bauer

The actor who portrayed the alcoholic boyfriend of the protagonist's mother in the first Counterpunch movie.

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What they’re saying

“Counterpunch 2 is about what we fight for. It's about the silent battles so many people face, and the strength it takes to keep going when no one is watching. At the same time, it's about compassion and how we show up for ourselves and for those who cannot fight for themselves.”

— Alvaro Orlando, Producer

What’s next

Casting is still underway for the Counterpunch sequel, and it remains to be seen if Danny Trejo and Steven Bauer will reprise their roles from the original film. The new installment is in development, with no release date announced yet.

The takeaway

The original Counterpunch film tackled important themes around mental health and perseverance in the world of professional boxing. A sequel has the potential to build on that narrative and bring more awareness to these issues, while also providing a platform for diverse storytelling in the sports drama genre.