A view by Guido Baechler, Lead Executive Producer

The final credits of Taming the Beast were still rolling inside the Küchlin Varieté Theater in Basel when another face appeared on the screen.

Eddie Hall was waiting for us live from England.



After watching a deeply personal two-hour-and-ten-minute documentary about his life, the audience suddenly had the opportunity to speak directly with the man they had just spent the evening getting to know.

And Eddie gave them another 22 minutes.

What followed was one of my favourite parts of the entire world premiere.
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There was no carefully prepared press interview and no publicity script. It was simply Eddie, the filmmakers, and an audience in Basel talking honestly about what they had just experienced together.

There was one small logistical problem.

Taming the Beast runs for approximately two hours and ten minutes, and we had deliberately screened the film without an intermission. Eddie was already online as the end credits rolled, so we went directly into the live conversation.

By that point, quite a few members of our audience understandably had another urgent priority.

The bathroom.

When we eventually opened the discussion to questions from the audience, I found myself running around the theatre with a microphone while a significant part of the crowd had temporarily disappeared.
And in typically Swiss fashion, some of those who had stepped outside seemed far too polite to walk back into the theatre while Eddie Hall was speaking.

So if the room looks slightly emptier toward the end of the video, now you know why.
Those who remained, however, asked some excellent questions.

The conversation began with perhaps the most obvious question after watching the documentary: what was it like for Eddie to put some of the most difficult and emotional parts of his life on screen?

Eddie explained that sharing his thoughts publicly wasn't entirely new to him. Years of social media and YouTube had already made openness part of his public life.

But Taming the Beast went considerably further.

The documentary pushed him into areas he hadn't explored publicly in the same depth before: depression, fear, stress, his past, his future, and the psychological consequences of reaching the goal that had consumed so much of his life.

And Eddie reminded us of something that's easy to forget when watching a finished film.
This wasn't six months of his life captured by cameras.

It was eight years.

Years containing enormous highs and equally significant lows.

Perhaps most strikingly, Eddie spoke about the assumption that winning World's Strongest Man should have solved everything. From the outside, reaching the top looks like the happy ending.
For Eddie, it wasn't.

He reflected on how difficult the years after winning became and even wondered whether achieving his ultimate ambition relatively early in life had created another problem: suddenly, the goal he'd spent years chasing was gone.

That idea is central to Taming the Beast.
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What happens after you achieve the dream?

The conversation also brought directors Chris Fretwell and Josias Tschanz into the discussion.

Chris recalled an early encounter with Eddie at his home. Eddie began talking about his grandmother and became emotional, eventually touching on mental health struggles dating back to his youth.

For Chris, that was a defining moment.

He realised that the trophies, records and spectacular achievements couldn't be the whole film. The documentary also needed to explore what existed underneath them—the darkness as well as the triumph.
Josias, who joined the production later, had a similar experience when he first interviewed Eddie in England.

What fascinated him was the contradiction between the public image and the man sitting in front of him.
Here was someone literally known as the World's Strongest Man, yet he was willing to talk openly about vulnerability.
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For Josias, that made Eddie an important voice in challenging an old stigma, particularly among men: the idea that strength means remaining silent about emotional pain.

The discussion then turned toward where Eddie is now.

Was he still constantly searching for another achievement to replace the World's Strongest Man title?
His answer was remarkably candid.

Yes.

He still wants accomplishments. He still wants to achieve something great. At the time of our conversation, he was preparing for another fight and pursuing another major goal.

But something else has changed.

Family has become increasingly important.

Eddie spoke about his children, another baby on the way, and how he has gradually begun slowing down enough to recognise what matters most.

Success, money and achievement remain part of his drive. But enjoying the results of all that work increasingly means being present for his family.

It was one of those answers that demonstrated exactly why we made this film.

The Beast hasn't disappeared.

Perhaps he's simply learning what deserves his strength.

I wanted to ask Eddie something that goes beyond the film.

Over all the years we had followed his journey, I'd watched him encounter roadblock after roadblock and somehow continue moving forward.

We had experienced some of those roadblocks ourselves while making Taming the Beast. COVID alone nearly brought the production to its knees.

So I asked him what he would tell someone who reaches that point where continuing seems impossible.

His answer was self-belief.

People told Eddie he couldn't become World's Strongest Man.
People told him he couldn't deadlift 500 kilograms.
Later, people told him he wouldn't succeed in fighting.

For Eddie, believing that something is possible has always been the first requirement for proving people wrong.

But he added an important qualification.
Confidence has to be earned.

When he steps into a fight believing he can win, that confidence comes from knowing he has trained properly, recovered properly, eaten properly and done everything within his control to prepare.
That distinction matters.
​
Self-belief isn't simply telling yourself you're capable.
It's doing the work that gives you a reason to believe it.

One of the most important moments of the evening came when Eddie was asked what he actively does today to manage his mental health.

He revealed that he had started seeing a therapist around two years earlier and described professional therapy as a major help.

Friends and family are important, but Eddie made the point that sometimes a trained professional can help someone work through experiences in a way that friends simply cannot.

He also spoke about meditation, mindfulness and the work he does to reinforce his own self-belief.

Coming from a man whose public identity was built around being physically stronger than almost anyone else on Earth, the message carried particular weight.

Seeking help isn't the opposite of strength.
Sometimes it is part of becoming stronger.

Eventually, we turned things over to the people in the theatre.

One audience member asked Eddie about something the documentary explores beautifully: what happens when you actually meet your heroes?

Eddie grew up admiring figures including Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone. Today, he has not only met many of those childhood heroes, but worked with them and developed personal relationships with them.

For Eddie, meeting his heroes hadn't diminished them.
Quite the opposite.

He spoke about how fortunate he felt to have met Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sylvester Stallone and Jason Statham, and how those experiences continue to motivate him.

Despite everything Eddie has already accomplished, he clearly doesn't believe his story is finished.
There are still movies he wants to make.
​
Still fights.
Still accomplishments.
Still another level he wants to reach.

Another audience member asked the question many strongman fans probably wanted answered.

What is Eddie's relationship with Hafþór "Thor" Björnsson like today?
Eddie didn't avoid it.

He acknowledged Thor's accomplishments and described him as a great strongman and athlete, while also making clear that the two still don't see eye to eye.

What I found interesting was the acceptance in Eddie's answer.
Not every rivalry needs a Hollywood ending.
​
Sometimes two people simply have their differences, acknowledge what happened, and continue with their lives.

The final audience question brought the conversation full circle.

Where does Eddie Hall see himself twenty years from now?

His answer wasn't about another world record.

It wasn't about Hollywood.
And it wasn't about money.
It was about his children.

Eddie talked about wanting to be there for school, performances, graduations, weddings and all those ordinary moments that become extraordinary when you're a parent.

He also reflected on something sobering: ten years earlier, because of the physical toll his lifestyle was taking on his health, he genuinely wasn't certain he'd be around for those moments.

Today he sees things differently.

He's changed his body, changed his priorities and is thinking much more about longevity.
His ideal picture of the future is surprisingly simple: being retired, surrounded by five grown children, looking at the lives they've built and feeling proud.
​
After everything audiences had just watched for more than two hours, it was perhaps the most appropriate answer imaginable.

It was getting late in Basel.

Eddie had fight camp the next morning and was heading straight to bed.

We, on the other hand, had an after-party waiting downstairs.

So I closed our conversation by informing Eddie that there would be quite a few Jägermeister shots consumed that evening—and that the next time he came to Switzerland, he'd have to catch up with us.

Someone immediately improved the arrangement by suggesting Eddie should have to drink two for every one we consumed.

His reaction?
"Oh, God."

Don't worry, Eddie.
We're keeping count.

There was something special about ending the world premiere this way.

For more than two hours, the audience had watched Eddie Hall's life unfold on a cinema screen: the records, the triumphs, the depression, the rivalries, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sylvester Stallone, his family, and the long search for what comes next.

Then, while the credits were still rolling, Eddie appeared live in front of them.

No editing.
No second takes.
Just Eddie.

He was generous with his time, thoughtful with his answers and willing to continue talking openly about subjects that many people still find difficult to discuss.
​
That willingness to engage is a large part of why Taming the Beast became the film it did.
The documentary may be finished.
The conversation it started isn't.

Swiss-Canadian filmmaker Josias Tschanz has spent years telling real stories—stories shaped by extraordinary people, unpredictable events, and the emotional complexity that only documentary filmmaking can provide.
​
In a recent interview with Blue News, Josias reflects on the creative journey behind Taming the Beast, his career in Canada, and why, after several demanding documentaries, he's looking forward to directing a fictional feature next.

When Josias joined Taming the Beast, production had already been underway for several years.

Producer Guido Baechler was searching for a filmmaker who could help complete the documentary following the pandemic, working alongside British director Chris Michael Fretwell. Josias was handed nearly 20 terabytes of footage and tasked with finding the story hidden within years of filming.
​
Rather than simply documenting Eddie Hall's career, the film evolved into something much more personal.
Mental health became the emotional core of the documentary as Eddie openly discussed his experiences with depression and the challenges of redefining himself after achieving his lifelong dream of becoming World's Strongest Man.

One reason the subject resonated so strongly with Josias is that it was already close to him personally.
​
In the interview, he explains that he has his own experience with depression and has long been interested in helping reduce the stigma surrounding mental health. Seeing someone like Eddie Hall—an athlete widely recognised for his incredible physical strength—speak honestly about vulnerability and anxiety became one of the documentary's defining themes.

Taming the Beast features appearances by Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone, while Josias has also worked on productions involving stars such as Jackie Chan, Eddie Murphy, and James Franco during his career in Vancouver.

Yet despite those experiences, he says the real focus has never been celebrity.
​
For him, the most compelling stories are always about ordinary people, their struggles, and the experiences that connect us all. Even when famous names are involved, what matters most is revealing the human being behind the public image.

The interview also explores why documentary filmmaking is both rewarding and demanding.

Unlike scripted films, documentaries rarely follow a predetermined path. The story often changes during production, and filmmakers must discover their narrative through real life rather than a screenplay.
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After completing projects including The Belonging, The Fire in Our Hearts, and Taming the Beast, Josias admits he's excited that his next project will be fictional—allowing him to return to working with actors and a finished script after years of embracing the unpredictability of real life.

This article is a summary of the interview originally published by Blue News (Keystone-SDA) with journalist Miriam Margani.

You can read the complete interview here:
​
🔗 https://www.bluewin.ch/de/filme-serien/josias-tschanz-ich-bin-froh-ist-mein-naechster-film-fiktional-li.3263502

Watch the full interview below.

This interview was originally conducted in German by Philipp Portmann for KinowetterTV. The video features AI-generated English subtitles, and the transcript has been translated into English using AI to make the conversation accessible to our international audience.
​
What does it take to turn nearly a decade of filming into a compelling feature documentary?
In this in-depth conversation with KinowetterTV, director Josias Tschanz reflects on the extraordinary journey behind Taming the Beast—from its earliest concept to the final cut that audiences see today.

Looking back, Tschanz describes the production as a true rollercoaster.

Over eight years, the team travelled across multiple countries, filmed with Eddie Hall during different stages of his life, and captured interviews with legendary figures including Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone. Meanwhile, post-production was based in Vancouver, where years of footage had to be transformed into a single, coherent story.

According to Tschanz, filming wasn't the greatest challenge.

The real task began afterwards.
​
With an enormous archive of interviews, personal moments, competitions, and behind-the-scenes footage, the filmmakers had to discover the emotional thread that connected everything. That process took years of editing, discussion, and countless creative decisions before the documentary finally found its rhythm.

One of the most interesting parts of the interview is Tschanz's explanation of how the documentary evolved.

The original concept was relatively simple: follow Eddie Hall as he pursued his dream of meeting his lifelong hero, Arnold Schwarzenegger.

That meeting remains an important part of the film, but as production continued, a much deeper story emerged.

Following his victory as World's Strongest Man in 2017, Eddie experienced depression and struggled to find a new sense of purpose. Arnold's own journey—from bodybuilding champion to Hollywood icon—inspired Eddie to explore acting as his next challenge, leading him to visit Arnold's museum in Graz before eventually meeting him in person.
​
What began as a documentary about a sporting hero meeting his idol gradually transformed into a powerful story about identity, mental health, and life after success.

Tschanz also reflects on the relationship between Eddie Hall and Arnold Schwarzenegger.

While Arnold served as Eddie's greatest inspiration growing up, Eddie has now become a role model himself.
​
Today, a new generation of athletes and young fans looks up to Eddie in much the same way Eddie once looked up to Arnold—a reminder that every generation eventually has the opportunity to inspire the next.
The interview also touches on Eddie's connection with Sylvester Stallone, whose encouragement and first acting opportunity in The Expendables 4 helped open the door to Eddie's growing career in film.

For Tschanz, directing Taming the Beast wasn't about travelling the world or interviewing famous personalities.

The greatest challenge was shaping a story that focused not only on Eddie Hall's achievements, but on the person behind them.

Working alongside co-director Chris Michael Fretwell and EMMY Award winning editor Mike Jackson and Andrew Hukuliak, the team searched for the moments that revealed Eddie's humanity—his struggles, his family, and his determination to keep moving forward despite setbacks.
​
The result is a documentary that reaches far beyond strength sports.

This conversation offers a fascinating behind-the-scenes perspective on how Taming the Beast was created and why the story evolved into something far more meaningful than originally planned.

If you're interested in documentary filmmaking, storytelling, or the creative process behind Taming the Beast, this interview with director Josias Tschanz is well worth watching.

The interview was originally recorded in German. AI-generated English subtitles are available on the video, and the transcript has been translated into English using AI to make the conversation accessible to viewers around the world.

What is Taming the Beast really about?

In these two short behind-the-scenes reels, Director Josias Tschanz and Lead Executive Producer Guido Baechler share the vision that shaped the documentary over nearly nine years of production.

While Eddie Hall's incredible achievements as World's Strongest Man provide the backdrop, both filmmakers explain that the documentary was never intended to be simply another sports film.
Instead, Taming the Beast became a deeply personal character study.

The film follows Eddie's life after achieving his lifelong dream of becoming World's Strongest Man in 2017, exploring the emotional challenges that came with reaching the summit. It examines themes of mental health, depression, identity, and the difficult search for purpose once a lifelong goal has been achieved.
As the project evolved, the filmmakers realised that Eddie's story reflected something much larger than one athlete's journey.

That is why the documentary also features voices such as Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone—individuals who, despite their extraordinary success, have also faced adversity, personal struggles, and defining moments in their own lives.

The second reel highlights Arnold Schwarzenegger's profound influence on Eddie Hall. During one of the darkest periods of his life following his World's Strongest Man victory, Arnold inspired Eddie to pursue a new dream: acting. That inspiration eventually led Eddie to visit Arnold's museum in Graz, Austria, where reflecting on Arnold's own journey helped him imagine a new path forward. Their relationship later developed into personal meetings and professional collaboration.
​
Together, these two short videos offer a concise introduction to the ideas behind Taming the Beast. They reveal why the documentary is about far more than physical strength—it is about resilience, vulnerability, and the courage to redefine yourself when life takes an unexpected turn.
Watch both reels below for a glimpse into the story behind the film.

Taming the Beast is a compelling feature documentary that follows the extraordinary journey of British strongman Eddie Hall.

By Carmine Carpenito
​
After becoming the World's Strongest Man in 2017, Eddie Hall returned home—not only as one of the most successful strength athletes in history, but also as a man battling depression and psychological pressure. The documentary explores not only his remarkable athletic achievements, but also the darker moments that nearly pushed him to the edge.

The film follows Eddie's rise through the world of strength sports, including his historic 500 kg (1,102 lb) deadlift in 2016—the first official lift of its kind.

But success also came with consequences.

After achieving his lifelong dream, Eddie realised that even becoming the World's Strongest Man could not silence his inner demons. Inspired by childhood heroes Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone—both of whom also appear in Taming the Beast—he sets out to pursue a new dream: building a career in Hollywood.
​
Yet the pandemic, injuries, and personal rivalries put his determination to the ultimate test.

The documentary is directed by Swiss-Canadian filmmaker Josias Tschanz together with British director Chris Michael Fretwell. It was produced by Guido Baechler, an experienced Swiss filmmaker known for projects including Iron Sky: The Coming Race and the DACH-version of the Award winning animated movie Bilal: A New Breed of Hero.

Baechler brings his passion for authentic storytelling and meticulous character development to the project. As a result, the film presents Eddie Hall not only as an elite athlete, but as a man learning to accept his inner demons and speak openly about them.

With powerful imagery, honest storytelling, and an inspiring message, Taming the Beast is far more than a sports documentary.
​
It is a story of courage, resilience, and self-acceptance—one that reminds us that true strength comes not only from physical power, but from the strength we find within ourselves.

The world premiere of Taming the Beast was never meant to be just another film screening.
​
It became a celebration of strength, resilience, and community—bringing together athletes, filmmakers, business leaders, celebrities, and supporters from Switzerland and beyond for an unforgettable evening in Basel.

As presenting partners of the premiere, IFBB Switzerland, the Swiss Bodybuilding & Fitness Federation (SBFV), and Mr. Universe Switzerland helped turn the event into a true gathering of the strength sports community.

Elite bodybuilders, powerlifters, fitness professionals, and former champions travelled from across Switzerland to attend the premiere. Many of them later shared that the film exceeded every expectation—not because of Eddie Hall's achievements, but because of its deeply human message.

The partnership doesn't end with the premiere.
​
We're excited to announce that Taming the Beast will also be part of Mr. Universe Switzerland 2026, taking place on September 4, 2026, where audiences from the bodybuilding and fitness world will once again have the opportunity to experience the film.

What surprised us most was how diverse the audience became.

While many guests came from the world of strength sports, the premiere also attracted personalities from entertainment, fashion, film, business, and public life across Switzerland and Germany.

Among the guests was Swiss entertainer DJ Alan, internationally known for his spot-on portrayal of "Alan" from The Hangover. He had just returned from a performance engagement in Las Vegas to be part of the premiere.

Also joining the celebration were last year's Bachelorette, the current Mrs. Fashion Week Basel, internationally recognised actors from Germany—some arriving with their security teams—as well as representatives from the Swiss Federal Film Commission and the former Ambassador and Consul General of Switzerland to Canada, a famous blues singer with his competition winning dancer, or the British lead singer of Magma Ocean.

The evening showed something we had hoped for from the beginning: Eddie Hall's story reaches far beyond the world of sport.
​
His journey resonates with people from every walk of life.

Following the screening and the audience Q&A with Eddie Hall, the celebration continued at the official after-party.

There was laughter, countless conversations about the film, new friendships—and, naturally, plenty of Jägermeister shots.

During the live Q&A, Lead Executive Producer Guido Baechler closed the evening with a promise to Eddie:
"We're about to drink a lot of Jägermeister tonight... and every single shot is one you'll have to catch up on the next time you visit Switzerland."
​
The audience erupted with laughter, making it the perfect ending to an unforgettable premiere.

Looking back now, it's hard to believe how close we came to losing the premiere altogether.

Just two weeks before the scheduled event, the original venue in Zurich—part of Switzerland's third-largest cinema chain—unexpectedly cancelled the premiere.

The disagreement centred around beverage and catering sponsorships, a decision that surprised not only us, but even the professional catering company we had already contracted for the evening.

After nine years of making Taming the Beast, however, another obstacle simply felt like another chapter in the story.

The film itself survived years of uncertainty, financial challenges, production delays, a global pandemic, and countless moments when walking away would have been the easier option.

Compared to everything we'd already overcome, this was simply another hurdle.

One phone call changed everything.

Oliver Martinez, operator of the historic Küchlin Varieté Theater in Basel, immediately believed in the project and opened the doors to one of Switzerland's most beautiful and unique venues.

In hindsight, the last-minute change couldn't have worked out better.
​
The atmosphere, the historic theatre, the audience, and the emotion of the evening combined to create something truly special—perhaps even more memorable than we had originally imagined.
Sometimes the greatest setbacks simply redirect you to where you were meant to be all along.

Without hesitation—yes, I would.

Because Taming the Beast was never just about making a documentary. It became a journey of resilience, belief, friendship, and purpose. Every setback, every sleepless night, every doubt, and every obstacle made that evening in Basel even more meaningful.

Seeing the audience laugh, cry, reflect, and leave the cinema inspired reminded us why we started this journey nine years earlier.

Some stories are simply worth fighting for. Taming the Beast is one of them.

Guido Baechler, Lead Executive Producer, Producer, Line Producer

Beat Geser is one of the most respected figures in Swiss bodybuilding. A former President of the IFBB Switzerland and Mr. Universe Switzerland, he has spent decades in the world of elite physique sports.

Having competed internationally—including at the Arnold Classic in Ohio—he immediately recognized the authenticity of Taming the Beast and the world it portrays.
​
After attending the world premiere in Basel with his family, Beat sent this personal message to Lead Executive Producer Guido Baechler. With his permission, we are honoured to share it here.

Dear Guido,

Since Ben had to be back at school today (that's the Canton of Aargau for you! 😁), we had to head home shortly after the film ended.

First of all, I'd like to sincerely thank you for the invitation and for giving us the opportunity to attend the premiere.

Taming the Beast touched me deeply on many occasions. It brought back more than a few moments of déjà vu—or perhaps it was more like looking into a mirror of my own past. Of course, I was never on Eddie's level, but I could truly understand him and the mindset that drove him.

Watching the scenes from the Arnold Classic in Ohio, I could almost smell the atmosphere of the venue and even the tanning colour backstage. I competed there myself on two occasions, so those moments felt incredibly real.

The film is exceptionally well made, filled with honest and deeply emotional moments. I thoroughly enjoyed it. The music, together with the visual effects, gave the story even greater emotional impact and helped bring its message to life.

Eddie should be incredibly proud that a film like this has been made about him, his life, and his family. It is a beautiful document of its time—one that will preserve his story and his legacy for many years to come. Very few people are fortunate enough to have a work like this created about their lives, and I'm convinced many will envy that privilege.

There's still so much more I'd like to talk about, Guido. Hopefully we'll have the chance to share a six-pack together one day—for hydration, of course... apparently it's good for your skin and hair too! 💪🍻

​Thank you again for everything. I truly hope to see you again soon.
Warm regards,
Beat, Loredana & Ben

​When Mirco Schoch attended the world premiere of Taming the Beast in Basel, he expected to watch a documentary about one of strength sport's greatest athletes. ​Instead, he experienced something deeply personal.

​A highly respected powerlifter and multiple Open Powerlifting champion, Mirco has built his life around discipline, perseverance, and the pursuit of strength. But like Eddie Hall, his story reaches far beyond the platform. Behind the medals and competition results lies a journey marked by adversity, resilience, family, and the search for purpose.
​
Following the premiere, Mirco and Lead Executive Producer Guido Baechler spent a long time talking about the film, its message, and the experiences that connected their very different lives. The conversation continued long after the credits had rolled and left a profound impression on both of them.
A few days later, Mirco put those emotions into words.

His reflection, originally published by Open Powerlifting, is much more than a review of Taming the Beast. It is a deeply personal letter about what true strength really means, how sport can shape our lives, and why vulnerability is often the greatest act of courage.

We're honoured to share his words here in full.

by Mirco Schoch

From the GPA Platform to the World Premiere of Eddie Hall – A Personal Journey Through Family, Strength Sports, Mental Health, and the True Meaning of Strength

When I arrived in Basel on June 3, 2026, I expected to attend a special evening. I had been invited to the world premiere of Taming the Beast, a documentary about Eddie Hall, the former World's Strongest Man. What I did not know was that the evening would become much more than a film screening.

Only a few days earlier, I had stood on the platform at the GPA-GPF European Invitational in Annecy, France, where I was fortunate enough to achieve second place. The memories of that competition were still fresh. The passion of the organizers, the hospitality, and the respect shown toward the athletes had left a deep impression on me. It was clear that the people behind GPA-GPF do not simply organize strength sports—they live them.

With those thoughts in mind, I traveled to Basel. There I found myself in a completely different world, surrounded by filmmakers, producers, athletes, and guests. An evening was about to begin that would affect me in ways I never expected.

Within minutes it became clear that Taming the Beast was not a typical sports documentary. It was not about records, trophies, or titles. It was about people. About fear. About doubt. About family. About purpose. About the fight against our own inner demons.

And that was the moment when I began to recognize many parallels to my own life.

Many people compare me to Eddie Hall. Some because of my appearance, others because of my passion for heavy lifting. A few friends even jokingly call me “Eddie.” Yet that is not why this film touched me so deeply.

What moved me was not the World's Strongest Man. What moved me was the human being behind the title.

My own story did not begin in a gym and it certainly did not begin on a competition platform. It began with a difficult childhood. After my parents separated, I spent time in foster care, children's homes, and later on a youth sailing ship before eventually continuing my education and training in northern Germany.

For many years, my life was shaped by uncertainty, anxiety, self-doubt, and a constant search for belonging. Many people see the athlete standing on the platform today. They see the medals, the competitions, and the muscles. What they do not see is the road that led there.

In 2006, I met my wife Jenny. Looking back, this was the most important turning point of my life. For the first time, I felt that I belonged somewhere. For the first time, I experienced what family truly meant. Jenny became my anchor and gave me stability when I needed it most.

Of course, anxiety and self-doubt did not disappear overnight. But for the first time, I no longer had to face those battles alone.

While watching the documentary, I realized how important this theme is in Eddie Hall's story as well. Behind every successful person stand the people who catch them when they fall. Family. Friends. Partners. The people who continue believing in us when we no longer believe in ourselves.

Too often we talk about achievements. Too rarely do we talk about the people who make those achievements possible.

Throughout my life, I was always drawn to strength sports. At first, I trained simply to become healthier and stronger. Like many others, I became interested in bodybuilding. But over time, I realized that what fascinated me most was not aesthetics.

It was strength. The ability to overcome limitations. The willingness to continue despite discomfort. The discipline required to keep moving forward.

Eventually, that path led me to powerlifting—the squat, the bench press, and the deadlift.

As the years passed, I came to understand something important: the muscles were never the goal.

Powerlifting became a tool. A tool for dealing with life.

Powerlifting did not teach me how to lift heavy weights. Powerlifting taught me how to carry heavy burdens.

The strength I developed through this sport helps me not only on the platform but also in everyday life. It helps me be a better husband, a better father, a better friend, and a better member of society.

The number on the barbell does not determine how strong a person truly is. True strength is revealed by how we face adversity, how we treat other people, and how we carry responsibility for those who depend on us.

In 2016, our daughter Emilia was born.

No competition. No trophy. No title.

Nothing has ever changed my life as profoundly as that moment.

Suddenly, I was responsible not only for myself. Not only for Jenny. But for a child. A small human being who depended entirely on us.

From that day forward, my priorities changed. My purpose changed.

My greatest goal was no longer becoming stronger. My greatest goal became becoming a better person.

I wanted to give my daughter something I had spent much of my own life searching for: stability, security, trust, and direction.

If all the difficulties, setbacks, and pain in my life have any purpose, then it is this—to break the cycle and create a better future for the next generation.

Today Emilia is a bright, kind, and wonderful young girl. Nothing fills me with greater pride.

Perhaps that is one of the reasons why Taming the Beast touched me so deeply. Throughout the documentary, the importance of family is impossible to ignore. Beyond the records and achievements, Eddie Hall is also a husband and a father.

At the end of the day, it is not the records that remain. It is the people.

My connection to GPA-GPF goes beyond competition. During my years at sea, I worked alongside many Ukrainian sailors. They were among the most hardworking, respectful, resilient, and kind people I have ever met. They helped me when I was young and inexperienced and taught me lessons I still carry today.

Through them, I learned stories of hardship, sacrifice, resilience, and perseverance. Those experiences left a lasting impression on me.

This is one reason why I feel a deep respect for the roots and values represented by GPA-GPF.

One of the most memorable moments of the entire evening came after the premiere when I had the privilege of speaking with Guido Baechler, one of the film's producers.

This conversation left a profound impression on me.

Guido spoke openly about the challenges involved in producing Taming the Beast. He talked about financial difficulties, uncertainty, setbacks, and moments when the entire project seemed at risk.

What impressed me most was his honesty.

For the first time, I realized that the story of Taming the Beast was not only Eddie Hall's story. It was also the story of the people behind the camera.

A film producer. A strongman. A powerlifter.

Three completely different lives. And yet the same fears. The same doubts. The same struggles. And the same hope.

As I drove home that night, I thought about Eddie Hall, Guido Baechler, my family, my daughter, my wife, and my own journey.

And I realized something important.

We live in a world where strength is often misunderstood. People see muscles. They see records. They see trophies. But true strength is something much deeper.

True strength is responsibility. It is resilience. It is compassion. It is the ability to continue despite hardship. It is the courage to admit vulnerability. It is the determination to create a better future for those who come after us.

Perhaps that is the greatest strength of our sport.

Powerlifting and strength sports bring together people from different countries, cultures, and backgrounds. It creates friendships, communities, and support systems that extend far beyond the platform.

Organizations such as GPA and GPF provide athletes with much more than competitions. They create opportunities for people to meet, connect, grow, and support one another. They help preserve values such as respect, integrity, perseverance, and mutual support.

The sport has given me direction, purpose, and community throughout my life.

It has taught me that strength is not measured by the weight we lift. It is measured by the responsibilities we carry and by the people we choose to support along the way.

If Taming the Beast delivers one message, it is that none of us have to fight our battles alone.

And if powerlifting and organizations such as GPA and GPF deliver one message, it is the same:

Together, we are stronger.

Not only as athletes.

But as human beings.

Watch the full interview below.

This conversation was originally recorded in German for the UpInTheSky podcast by the SmartWork Business Club with host Andrea Vögeli. English AI-generated subtitles are available on the video for our international audience.

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What happens when a documentary about the World's Strongest Man evolves into a deeply human story about mental health, identity, and resilience?

That's one of the central questions explored in this thoughtful conversation between Andrea Vögeli, host of the UpInTheSky podcast, Josias Tschanz, director of Taming the Beast, and Guido Baechler, the film's Lead Executive Producer.
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Recorded shortly after the documentary's world premiere in Basel, the interview offers an honest look behind the scenes of a project that took nearly a decade to complete—and why its message has resonated so deeply with audiences.

For both filmmakers, the world premiere was about much more than finally seeing the film on the big screen.

What stood out most was the audience's emotional response.

People approached the team after the screening to share how deeply they had been moved. Some admitted they had been in tears throughout the film. Others spoke openly about their own experiences with depression and mental health struggles, explaining that Eddie Hall's honesty had given them hope.

One particularly memorable moment came when a retired Mr. Universe thanked the filmmakers, saying that hearing someone like Eddie Hall speak so openly about his personal battles helped him process his own experiences.
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For Baechler, these conversations confirmed that the documentary had achieved exactly what it set out to do.

Director Josias Tschanz explains that Taming the Beast was never intended to be a traditional sports documentary.

After following Eddie Hall for almost eight years, the filmmakers discovered that his greatest challenges had little to do with lifting extraordinary weights.

Instead, they found a man constantly searching for purpose.

Whenever one goal was achieved, another had to take its place—whether becoming World's Strongest Man, pursuing acting, or stepping into the world of mixed martial arts. That relentless drive became a defining part of Eddie's character and an important thread throughout the documentary.
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More importantly, the filmmakers wanted to show the vulnerability behind the public image.
By speaking openly about depression and anxiety, Eddie challenges the stereotype that strength and emotional struggle cannot exist together.

One of the interview's most interesting moments is the story behind the documentary's title.

When production began, the project carried a very different name: The Beast – When Eddie Met Arnold. At that stage, it was envisioned primarily as a sports documentary following Eddie Hall's dream of meeting his lifelong hero, Arnold Schwarzenegger.

As filming progressed, however, the story evolved.

The deeper themes of identity, mental health, and life after success became the true heart of the project.
That transformation inspired a new title: Taming the Beast.
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For a time, the film also carried the subtitle The Emptiness Within, reflecting Eddie's struggle with the emotional void that followed achieving his greatest ambition. Eventually, the filmmakers decided the simpler title captured everything the documentary wanted to say.

Andrea Vögeli points out an interesting contradiction.

After watching the documentary, it's difficult to think of Eddie Hall as a "beast" in the traditional sense. Viewers come to know him as a caring father, a devoted family man, and someone remarkably open about his emotions.

The filmmakers agree—but they also explain that both sides of Eddie are real.
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His fierce competitive nature has driven him to extraordinary achievements. Rivalries, particularly with fellow strongman Hafþór "The Mountain" Björnsson, awaken the intensity that made him one of the strongest athletes in history.

At the same time, away from competition, there is another Eddie entirely: thoughtful, sensitive, and deeply committed to his family.
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The film embraces this duality rather than trying to simplify it.

Throughout the interview, one message remains constant.

Taming the Beast isn't simply about Eddie Hall.

It's about the pressure of success, the search for purpose, the importance of vulnerability, and the courage to ask for help.
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Those themes extend far beyond elite sport, making the documentary relevant to anyone who has faced setbacks, self-doubt, or the challenge of redefining themselves after reaching a major life goal.

If you're interested in the creative journey behind Taming the Beast, this conversation offers a fascinating perspective from the filmmakers themselves. Josias Tschanz and Guido Baechler discuss not only how the documentary was made, but why they believe its message is more relevant today than ever.
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The interview was originally recorded in German for the UpInTheSky podcast by the SmartWork Business Club. English AI-generated subtitles are available so viewers around the world can follow the conversation.

Watch the full interview below.

The original interview was conducted in German by Philipp Portmann for KinowetterTV and Film Guide Schweiz. English AI-generated subtitles are available on the video for international audiences.

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Creating a documentary is never easy. Creating one over nine years—through a global pandemic, production shutdowns, and a complete reinvention of its story—is something else entirely.
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In this exclusive interview with Swiss film journalist Philipp Portmann (KinowetterTV & Film Guide Schweiz), Taming the Beast Lead Executive Producer Guido Baechler shares the remarkable journey behind the documentary and explains why the finished film became so much more than a story about World's Strongest Man Eddie Hall.

When production began in 2017, the vision was straightforward.

The film, then titled The Beast: When Eddie Met Arnold, was meant to follow Eddie Hall's ambition to meet his lifelong hero, Arnold Schwarzenegger, after becoming World's Strongest Man.

But as filming progressed, something unexpected happened.

Eddie began opening up about deeply personal experiences—including childhood trauma, depression, and suicidal thoughts. Conversations with Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone revealed similar struggles behind their own public personas.

According to Baechler, that changed everything.

Rather than making another sports documentary, the team realized they were uncovering a universal story about resilience, identity, and mental health.
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"The film became something much deeper," he explains during the interview.

One of the central themes discussed throughout the conversation is the contrast between public perception and private reality.

Figures like Eddie Hall, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Sylvester Stallone are often viewed as symbols of strength and confidence. Yet the documentary reveals that even these larger-than-life personalities have faced moments of fear, self-doubt, and emotional hardship.

Baechler believes that this honesty is exactly what gives Taming the Beast its emotional power.
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The documentary challenges the stereotype that strength means never struggling. Instead, it argues that acknowledging those struggles—and asking for help—requires a different kind of courage.

Beyond telling Eddie Hall's story, Baechler hopes the documentary can make a real difference.

With Eddie's enormous global audience, the filmmakers believe the film has the potential to reach people who may be facing their own mental health challenges.

If viewers leave the cinema feeling inspired to keep fighting, to seek support, or simply to believe that difficult times can pass, then the documentary will have achieved something far greater than entertainment.
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That message sits at the very heart of Taming the Beast.

The interview also offers a fascinating look behind the scenes of the production itself.

What began as an exciting international documentary soon encountered one obstacle after another. The COVID-19 pandemic brought filming and financing to a halt, forcing years of delays and leaving the future of the project uncertain.

Baechler admits there were moments when he seriously considered walking away from the film altogether.
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Instead, he chose to continue—drawing inspiration from the same perseverance demonstrated by Eddie Hall throughout the documentary.

One of the interview's most interesting revelations is how the project ultimately found new life in Canada.

With much of the Swiss film industry disrupted during the pandemic, post-production moved overseas, where internationally renowned studios joined the project after seeing an early cut of the film.

Sound designers who normally work on major Hollywood productions, along with world-class post-production artists, chose to become involved because they believed in the documentary's message.
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Support also came from the Swiss Embassy in Vancouver, helping the production regain momentum and carry the project across the finish line.

As Baechler explains, Taming the Beast was always intended for the big screen before reaching audiences worldwide.
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Theatrical releases have introduced the documentary to cinema audiences, while international distribution continues to expand. Interest from major streaming platforms reflects the growing recognition that this is far more than a documentary about sport—it's a story with universal relevance.

For anyone interested in the making of Taming the Beast, this conversation with Guido Baechler provides an insightful look at the vision, challenges, and determination that shaped the documentary over nearly a decade.
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The interview was originally recorded in German. English AI-generated subtitles are available, making it accessible to viewers around the world.