A thriller docucomedy feature film with an all-star cast is being shot in New Jersey. The film, Russian Manimal VolkoffIt, is based on actual events, per people connected to the movie, and stars masked professional wrestler Russin Manimal Volkoff.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Volkoff began his path of destruction in the Soviet Navy, but before that, he was an amateur hockey standout competing under the name Mikhail Alekseyev. Seeking greatness, he volunteered for a secret genetics experiment in Siberia, which was overseen by the ruthless Commander Mother Russia. The project—part of the Omega Program, code‑named MANIMAL—pushed the limits of human biology. The scientists wanted to enhanced Soviet athletes’ abilities by using animal DNA. Therefore, it improved his size, speed, strength, intelligence, agility, and stamina
However, during 80 percent completion of the mutation processes, the program lost funding. As a result, Volkoff was frozen in a cryogenic chamber for more than thirty years. When he finally broke free of his frozen, lonely hell, disoriented and furious, he found himself not in the Motherland but in New Jersey, USA, of all places.
Convinced he was still carrying out a mission for the Soviet Union, he assembled a miniature army he called The Russian Gangstas: Tiffany Million, The Real Drago, Dan Bidondi, Yoseph Ragnadov, Marsha Maraschino, Serenity Angel, John Lowe, Broadway Joe Malcolm, and Vic Hops Shaquille.
Together, they unleash chaotic, terrible music, while partaking in brutal, violent professional wrestling matches, spreading Volkoff’s warped vision of Soviet dominance across the American Northeast.
Trained by ECW original Gary Wolf and later Malcolm, Volkoff’s insane run of violent, back-breaking matches resulted in a record-setting 76 bans and suspensions. The mayhem all started when he faced Grappling Greg in a viscous bout that caused promoters in Connecticut to issue a statewide ban, much to the beast’s chagrin.
“Grappling Greg thought it would be fun to really go,” the 6-foot-5, 320-pound Volkoff recalled. “So, I not only humbled him, but I also pinned him clean in front of his Bristol hometown crowd. And beat him fair in a real fight, not this choreographed stuff you Americans enjoy watching. As a result, the promoter, who had no backbone, made up some story that I am dangerous, and that caused all the promoters from the state of Connecticut to ban me for several years.”
The whole situation sparked interest from a movie maker who convinced Volkoff he had a great story to tell and is the victim in this whole chaotic matter.
“The co-director, Marsha Maraschino, was so very kind and sympathetic towards my situation,” he said. “She explained, metaphorically, that I am Frankenstein’s monster and everyone else, because they are ignorant, are the villagers that want to kill the monster.”
Part comedy, part calamitous, Maraschino describes Volkoff’s character as a misunderstood being, with the film borrowing themes from other cult classics.
“The film’s mission and philosophy were inspired by Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein original story concept of how society is really its own monster by demonizing innocent people who are deemed as outcasts,” Maraschino explained. “The humor is dark and deadpan similar to the film Borat, but physically similar to Saturday Night Live (SNL) legend Chris Farley. Many of the in depth, over dramatized action scenes are influenced by Toxic Avenger and Swamp Thing.”
Erika Andersch, known from American Gladiators, called the film a gripping portrayal of a fierce competitor. Yet she says she has witnessed a very different side of him—one far removed from the beast-like image many people assume.
“Manimal comes across strong, dynamic, intimidating,” Andersch said. “He will have you shaking in your boots! But I know Manimal is a big teddy bear inside.”
Russian Manimal VolkoffIt is projected to be completed sometime in 2027, Maraschino noted. After that, the plan is to hit the film festival circuit. Then, continue “negotiations with several streaming services,” she said.
The movie stars: Olga Kurkulina (Kick Ass 2); Andersch; Sha-ri Pendleton, aka Blaze; Deron McBee, AKA Malibu; Debbie Clark. AKA Storm; IFBB Pro Aurelia Grozajova; Tiffany Mellon (GLOW); Serenity Angel; Andrew Bryniarski (Texas Chainsaw Massacre); comedian Jaye McBridel Broadway Joe Malcolm (NWA); Foxxxy Darlin; Desiree Eden; Stacy Lynn; Cassandra Lovit; punk legend Johnny Necro; ECW New Jersey wrestling legends Gary Wolfe; Angel Orsini; and Ironman Tommy Cairo.
Volkoff was a part of Arena Kage Wrestling (AKW) and Women’s Championship Wrestling’s (WCW) August 29th card, which can be viewed on Tuesday, September 22nd @ 8:00 p.m. ET as a pay per view.
Additionally, he is scheduled to appear, alongside his manager Mellon, at Chiller Theatre on Friday, October 30th to Sunday, November 1st in Parsippany, New Jersey.
This is the official Russian Manimal Volkoff trailer can be viewed by following the link to the right: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1QdIxJe2BB.
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Poster: Mark Santanos, photos Heidi Waters.
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