who is Marvin Boomer, the MMA fighter in the Netflix series?

For the first time, a French series explores the world of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) on Netflix. From November 8, the platform unveils the new creation of Franck Gastambide, notably known for Valid et The Kaïras. With The Cageit immerses us in this world of combat, which remained banned in France until January 2020, and follows the journey of Taylor, a lost young man who dreams of fighting his way through punches.

This role is played by Melvin Boomer, a rising French actor, whose intense and realistic performance could leave a lasting impression. With raw strength and poignant interpretation, Boomer offers an authentic look at this character, in search of revenge.

A dancer above all

A 23-year-old French actor and dancer, Melvin Promeneur – aka Melvin Boomer – has won over the public with a few notable appearances. Growing up in Vincennes with an MMA champion father and a figure skater mother, Boomer had a rather difficult childhood, marked by attention problems and academic difficulties.

It is in sport and dance that he finds an escape. His passion for breakdancing led him to train in hip-hop and classic jazz as a teenager, joining the Arts en Mouvements school. In 2020, he founded the Artium Prod collective, bringing together dancers and artists to produce works where dance, video and photography intertwine.

His first appearance in front of the camera

It was on social networks that Boomer was spotted for the first time by the team. World of tomorrowa biographical mini-series on the rise of the NTM group. Playing young JoeyStarr, he impresses with his ability to convey the rage and passion of the rapper.

Boomer, who had no acting training, accepted this role on the advice of his father and proved incredibly convincing. His performance then opened the doors to the cinema, where in 2023 he played Léopold, a medical student who became a midwife in Mid-Manalongside Karin Viard. This role, unexpected and full of sensitivity, earned him a pre-selection for the Révélations des César 2024.

In the footsteps of MMA

In The CageBoomer reconnects with his family roots linked to MMA. His character Taylor, without reference and ready to do anything to make a name for himself, finds meaning in his life in the ring. This personal dimension gives depth to his playing, where we perceive a mixture of vulnerability and strength. Alongside true MMA figures like Georges St-Pierre and Ciryl Gane, Boomer stands out for his impressive, uncompromising physical performance.

The Cage is not only aimed at combat sports fans; it also paints the portrait of a youth in search of recognition and belonging. Through this role, Boomer reveals a new range of emotions, suggesting a turning point in his career. The series ends with an open ending, enough to hope that this young talent has not finished fighting.