By: Michael Jacobs, Senior Correspondent | LGBT Entertainment News
LAS VEGAS — ( February 27, 2026 )— Undercard, the highly anticipated sports drama starring Wanda Sykes, officially premiered in theaters nationwide today through Catalyst Studios, marking a major career milestone for one of comedy’s most recognizable voices.
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Directed by Tamika Miller and co-written by Anita M. Cal and Miller, Undercard places Sykes in unfamiliar territory — and she rises to the occasion with striking emotional depth.
In the film, Sykes plays Cheryl “No Mercy” Stewart, a former boxing champion turned coach who is navigating sobriety while trying to repair her fractured relationship with her estranged son, Keith (Bentley Green). When Keith suffers a devastating loss under another trainer, he reluctantly allows his mother to step in and guide his comeback — both inside and outside the ring.
But Undercard is far more than a sports film.
Stewart is also the legal guardian of her late sister’s child, Meeka, while facing scrutiny from Child Protective Services. The emotional stakes rise as she balances motherhood, recovery, and redemption — all while confronting the ghosts of her past.
A Career-Defining Performance
Though Wanda Sykes is best known for her sharp comedic voice and her role in Netflix’s hit sitcom The UpTowns, Undercard represents her first leading dramatic role. According to interviews surrounding the release, Sykes initially hesitated when she read the script.
“I love it,” she reportedly said when first reviewing the screenplay. “But there’s not one joke in here. What are we doing?”
That hesitation transformed into one of the most layered performances of her career. Sykes fully inhabits Cheryl Stewart — portraying strength, vulnerability, and resilience with a quiet intensity that signals a new chapter in her acting journey.
A Rare and Tender LGBTQ Romance
Beyond its sports narrative, Undercard also delivers something still rare in mainstream cinema: a nuanced depiction of an older queer woman finding love.
Stewart — who, like Sykes, is openly gay — develops a relationship with Mariana (Roselyn Sánchez), a tattoo artist who becomes both confidante and romantic partner. Their connection unfolds naturally, without sensationalism, offering audiences a grounded and heartfelt portrayal of queer love later in life.
In an industry that often sidelines mature LGBTQ storylines, Undercard stands out for centering them.
Strong Supporting Cast
The film also stars:
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Bentley Green
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Xavier Mills
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William Stanford Davis
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Roselyn Sánchez
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Berto Colón
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Estella Kahiha
Under Tamika Miller’s direction, the ensemble delivers performances that elevate the emotional gravity of the story while keeping the narrative grounded in authenticity.
Watch the Official Trailer
Why ‘Undercard’ Matters
At its core, Undercard is about second chances — in sport, in family, and in love. It explores addiction recovery without cliché, motherhood without sentimentality, and queer identity without turning it into a subplot.
For Wanda Sykes, it marks a bold evolution from comedy icon to dramatic lead.
For LGBTQ audiences, it offers rare representation in a genre that often overlooks them.
And for mainstream viewers, it delivers a gripping sports redemption story layered with emotional authenticity.
Undercard is now playing in theaters nationwide through Catalyst Studios.
For more breaking LGBT Film & TV, movie premieres, and LGBTQ film coverage, stay with JRL CHARTS — where mainstream cinema and queer storytelling collide.
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