Episode Summary: Wanda Sykes Stars in a New Boxing Drama About Redemption

Podcast: All Of It (WNYC)
Host: Alison Stewart
Guests: Wanda Sykes (Actor, comedian), Tamika Miller (Co-screenwriter, Director)
Film: Undercard
Date: February 24, 2026

Overview

This episode of "All Of It" focuses on the new film Undercard, starring renowned comedian Wanda Sykes in her dramatic acting debut. Set in Miami's Liberty City, the film explores themes of redemption, family, and perseverance through the story of Cheryl "No Mercy" Stewart—a former boxing champion and recovering alcoholic working to reconnect with her estranged son. The discussion dives into the making of the film, its cultural context, and the intersection of comedy and drama, while also shining a spotlight on the creative process, independent filmmaking, and the significance of representation in cinema.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Origin and Development of Undercard

• Long Genesis & Casting Wanda Sykes
  • The film was conceived over a decade ago, with Wanda Sykes in mind for the lead role from the very beginning. (02:12)
  • Tamika Miller admired Wanda Sykes for her fearlessness and vulnerability as a woman thriving in the male-dominated world of comedy. (02:23)
  • Quote:

    "I'd always had Wanda in mind for this role... It was that kind of vulnerability and fearlessness that I wanted in this role of Cheryl."
    — Tamika Miller (02:23)

• Wanda’s Hesitation and Buy-In
  • Wanda admits initial hesitation, jokingly asking if Queen Latifah had turned the part down before accepting herself. (03:22)
  • Ultimately, her trust in Tamika Miller’s vision and support gave her the confidence to accept the dramatic challenge.
  • Quote:

    "I felt like that I would be taken care of, you know... She's not gonna put me out there and make me look bad."
    — Wanda Sykes (03:22)

2. Boxing as a Vehicle for Family Drama

• Why a Sports Drama?

  • Tamika explains that, while boxing serves as the backdrop, the film’s heart lies in the complex, multi-layered relationships—especially between mother and son, and mother and daughter. (04:45)
  • The story depicts both the literal and metaphorical process of training loved ones for life’s battles.
  • Quote:

    "I had not seen yet on film this particular story... Boxing is the backdrop. But what's most important to me are these relationships..."
    — Tamika Miller (04:45)

• Cheryl’s Circumstances at the Start

  • Sykes describes Cheryl as “trying to be a good mom,” struggling with sobriety, making amends with her son, and keeping her daughter out of the foster care system. (06:08)

3. Training and Immersion in Boxing

• Wanda’s Boxing Preparation

  • Wanda has a lifelong love of boxing; as a child, she would listen to Ali fights on the radio. (07:48)
  • Tamika ensures Wanda’s authenticity by immediately throwing her "in the ring" at LA’s famed Wild Card Gym, even before contracts were signed. (08:38)
  • Training included learning how to hold mitts and developing comfort within the gym, so the environment became “like a second skin.”
  • Quote:

    "[Tamika] threw me in the ring. Day one. Girl, get in the ring."
    — Wanda Sykes (08:38)

  • Sykes continues boxing as her personal workout today.

• Technical Surprises About Boxing

  • Tamika’s personal experience boxing allowed her to script realistic fight scenes and combinations. She emphasizes boxing as a powerful “secondary character” in the film. (09:35)

4. Emphasizing Liberty City’s History

• Cultural (and Literal) Setting
  • A key film location is the historic Hampton House: in the era of segregation, it housed black icons like Muhammad Ali and Aretha Franklin. (10:52)
  • Including these stories roots the film in real-world black history and deepens the narrative's authenticity.
  • Quote (from Cheryl’s character in the film):

    "Ali was good enough to fight Miami Beach, but he wasn't good enough to stay there at night. So he and Aretha Franklin, Etta James, Sammy Davis Jr., stayed here..."
    — Wanda Sykes as Cheryl (10:52)

5. Independent Filmmaking: Style, Speed, & Community

• Short, Intense Filming Period

  • Shot in under 30 days, demanding dedication and constant movement from cast and crew. (12:23)
  • The independent style fostered a sense of community, support, and focus.
  • Quote:

    "It wasn't a lot of sitting around waiting... Everybody was just really, I think, complementary to each other... getting it done."
    — Wanda Sykes (12:56)

• Empowerment and Representation

  • The production team was notably female-driven, from the director, cinematographer (Ana Amortegui), production designer, costume designer, to producers. (14:00)
  • Tamika credits the female energy for the positive, empowering atmosphere on set.

6. Comedy Versus Drama

• Relation Between Genres
  • Wanda observes that, for her, great comedy is always grounded in reality—"comedy is drama, but with a twist." (16:34)
  • For Undercard, she had to suppress her comedic instincts and focus on the dramatic journey.
  • Quote:

    "Drama is set up when the comedy is the punchline."
    — Wanda Sykes (16:34)

7. Character & Redemption: Cheryl “No Mercy” Stewart

• Origin of 'No Mercy'

  • Derived from Cheryl’s tough rise in the boxing world; she was “relentless and determined to win.” (17:33)

• Redemption and Relationships

  • Cheryl’s relentless spirit drives her to try—over and over—to make amends and fight for her family.
  • Wanda describes Cheryl as someone who "doesn't give up," even if she struggles with sobriety. (19:01)

• Portraying Accountability

  • Wanda, on confronting her son’s anger:

    "She just had to accept... I don't have any comeback and I'm not going to make any excuses for it... Just let him have his peace."
    — Wanda Sykes (20:08)

• Realistic Portrayal of Recovery

  • Tamika consulted with people in long-term recovery to ensure authenticity in showing relapse and the emotional toll of sobriety. (21:23)
  • Shows the true, non-linear process of making amends and rebuilding trust.
  • Quote:

    "...when someone who is sober suddenly finds themselves in a place that has them slip, that is the worst... a betrayal to themselves."
    — Tamika Miller (21:51)

8. The Director-Actor Collaboration

• Wanda on Tamika’s Help
  • Pre-filming workshops built strong chemistry between Wanda and co-star Bentley Green, fostering trust and authenticity. (23:03)
  • On-set: Tamika's regular check-ins and clear signals helped cast feel secure.
• Tough Directorial Choices
  • As an indie director, Tamika moved quickly when she had “the take," balancing efficiency with actor comfort. (24:56)
  • Praised Wanda for her commitment and openness throughout long, challenging days.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "I even asked Tamika if Queen Latifah turned her down, and that's why came to me."
  — Wanda Sykes joking about her initial hesitation (03:22)

• "Drama is set up when the comedy is the punchline."
  — Wanda Sykes on performing drama vs. comedy (16:34)

• "We all wanted this. We knew we had something special and we all wanted it to be the best it could be."
  — Wanda Sykes, on the camaraderie of the Undercard cast and crew (12:56)

• "Having all these incredibly talented women... is very, very powerful. And it definitely, I think, makes a difference in how a set is run."
  — Tamika Miller, on female representation in filmmaking (14:00)

• "She doesn’t give up. Now she might slip in the sobriety part... but she gets up and goes right back at it."
  — Wanda Sykes, on Cheryl’s resilience (19:01)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 02:12 — Origins of Undercard and casting Wanda Sykes
• 03:22 — Wanda Sykes on her dramatic debut and initial hesitation
• 04:45 — Why a sports drama and central mother-child relationships
• 07:48 — Wanda's history with boxing, training for the role
• 10:52 — Inclusion of Liberty City and the Hampton House history
• 12:23 — Filming schedule and the pace of indie production
• 14:00 — The power and impact of a women-led crew
• 16:34 — Comedy vs. drama; Wanda's take on both genres
• 19:01 — Cheryl’s determination and redemption arc
• 20:08 — Responding openly to family confrontation
• 21:23 — Authentic portrayal of addiction and recovery
• 23:03 — The actor-director process: workshops and daily check-ins
• 24:56 — Tamika on tough choices and the role of trust on set
• 27:01 — Wanda’s enthusiasm for future dramatic work

Conclusion

This episode offers a revealing look into the making of Undercard—a layered, emotionally charged sports drama bringing together comedy legend Wanda Sykes and director Tamika Miller. From gritty realism and heartfelt family struggle to intentional representation and women’s empowerment behind the camera, the conversation touches on universal themes and filmmaking’s unique pressures in the independent world. Sykes’ transformative role and Miller’s thoughtful direction together breathe new life into the sports movie genre.

Undercard released in theaters February 27, 2026.