“Iron City Asskickers”: Lost George A. Romero Pilot Finally Being Released Over 20 Years Later

Back in 1998, you may have heard, the late George A. Romero directed the pilot episode for a proposed series titled “Iron City Asskickers,” set in the world of professional wrestling. Now more than 20 years since the project wrapped production, Cryptic Pictures has announced today that Romero’s “Iron City Asskickers” pilot is being released… on DVD and VHS.

On April 23, 2021, Cryptic Pictures Distribution, in association with Image 987, will be bringing “Iron City Asskickers” to both formats. The short film was thought to be lost until recently.

The team explains, “Created long before professional wrestling embraced the moniker sports entertainment, and filmed nearly 15 years after the airing of John Stossel’s 20/20 TV special which debated the profession’s authenticity, this male soap opera explores professional wrestling’s sensationalism, and foreshadows the genre now referred to as Reality TV.”

“Directed by George A. Romero and filmed in his trademark unapologetic style, the short, written by Jason Bareford, plays as a promotional video centered on the wild, untamed and unregulated amateur wrestling circuit of the late 1990s.”

Head over to Cryptic Pictures to pre-order your copy on VHS or DVD today.

In preparation for the release, The George A. Romero Foundation (GARF) will be hosting a Reunion Party on the evening of Wednesday, March 3, 2021 via the organization’s webcast network, featuring the original cast and crew. Visit GARF for updates!