Documentary film about Wexford bodybuilder is in its final stages of production

A documentary film is currently being made about a well-known Wexford bodybuilder….

There is a currently a short documentary in its final stages of production about Wexford’s own legend, Loughlin “Lock” Gannon, the Mr. Universe-winning bodybuilder.

The documentary film, entitled ‘Muscle Bound’, follows Lock as he retires from the sport after his final competition in Warsaw in 2024. Through vérité footage, stylised portraiture, and theatrical staging, the documentary explores masculinity, legacy, and the fear of physical decline.

Speaking to Wexford Weekly, director Colin Peppard said:

“Since then, we’ve been documenting his journey through the highs and lows of life after bodybuilding, exploring themes of mental health, body dysmorphia, and eating disorders.”

The documentary is now in its final stages – but they are counting on the public to support the remainder of the film. Colin told Wexford Weekly that a Kickstarter campaign has been launched, which will help to finalise the film:

“We’ve filmed around 90% of the documentary, and to complete the project we’ve launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund the final scene. This scene will be Lock’s moment of self-acceptance: he steps onto the stage of the National Opera House in Wexford, stripped of tan and oil, posing not for judges or crowds, but for nine versions of himself. It’s a powerful and hopeful ending – a realisation that his greatest competition was always internal,” Colin told Wexford Weekly.

To date, the film ‘Muscle Bound’ has been entirely self-funded with the crew working for free on the project:

“So far, the film has been completely self-funded along with an absolutely exceptional crew who have all worked several days tirelessly for free. This no-budget approach is so common for small, independent filmmakers and sets great limitations for creativity, but this film deserves a worthy ending to visually showcase Loughlin letting go of his past, and moving into the future with a new attitude,” Colin says.

With films – and specifically films that require public backing from Kickstarters, one has the right to ask about the purpose of the film. Is it one that needs to be told, we ask?

“Muscle Bound is such a crucial story to tell. Body dysmorphia is rarely spoken about openly, especially in bodybuilding, yet it quietly affects so many people. In a culture that constantly pushes impossible standards of beauty and strength, this film feels urgent to make. By following someone who has spent a lifetime chasing the “perfect” body, we’re able to show the cost of that pursuit, and the possibility of acceptance beyond it. I believe it’s important for young people to see that even at the highest level of physical achievement, the same insecurities and doubts remain – and that real strength lies in confronting them,” Colin said.

Those interested in helping to finalise the film through donation – or those interested in learning more about ‘Muscle Bound’ can check out their online Kickstarter here.

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