Actors to Watch in 2021: Florian Munteanu
PC: Barry Wetcher
It’s a struggle for young actors to find work in big blockbuster productions. Despite the challenges, Florian “Big Nasty” Munteanu has defied the odds and landed some of the biggest titles from the last few years.
The 30-year-old heavyweight boxer turned actor has made a name for himself for his impressive skills both in and out of the ring. Munteanu is a common name in his home country of Romania. The name roughly translates to “mountaineer,” which is appropriate for his buff body and 6’4” stature.
PC: Creed II
You may recognize him as the intimidating opponent for Michael B. Jordan’s character, Adonis Creed, in the 2018 film Creed II. In the film, he played Ivan Drago’s son, Viktor Drago, the big and young fighter to defend his father, who lost to Jordan’s character’s father, Apollo Creed, decades earlier in the Rocky series. His performance required less dialogue, and a lot more physical intimidation. His presence said more than words possibly could. It’s no doubt that training for the boxing film must have been grueling, and working with Hollywood heavyweights like Michael B. Jordan, Sylvester Stallone, and Dolph Lundgren, must have been a world-class acting lesson.
PC: Poster/Marvel Studios/Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
He is now set to appear in one of Marvel’s newest additions to Phase Four of the MCU, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. The film is currently in post-production, and expected to be released on September 3rd, 2021. Based on the comics, the story will focus on Shang-Chi, played by Simu Liu, the Master of Kung-Fu. The film also stars Fala Chen, Ronny Chieng, and Awkwafina.
With an appearance in one of the biggest movie franchises in the world, Munteanu is set to have a beaming film career, and be known for more than just his flawless physique.