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I, Tonya

I, Tonya is a 2017 American biographical black comedy-drama film about figure skater Tonya Harding and the events surrounding the 1994 attack on Nancy Kerrigan.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

I, Tonya is a 2017 American biographical black comedy-drama film about figure skater Tonya Harding and the events surrounding the 1994 attack on Nancy Kerrigan. Directed by Craig Gillespie and written by Steven Rogers, the film stars Margot Robbie, Sebastian Stan, and Allison Janney. It presents a dramatized account of Harding’s rise in competitive skating and the scandal that defined her public legacy.

Premise

The film follows Tonya Harding’s career in figure skating, including her difficult personal life and the scandal involving Nancy Kerrigan. It is presented as a dramatized and darkly comedic version of events.

Cast and characters

Margot Robbie plays Tonya Harding, Sebastian Stan plays Jeff Gillooly, and Allison Janney plays Harding’s mother, LaVona Golden. The cast also includes Julianne Nicholson and other supporting performers.

Release

I, Tonya premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2017 and later opened in U.S. theatres in December 2017.

Reception

The film was widely discussed for its performances, particularly Robbie’s and Janney’s, and for its unusual blend of comedy and drama in retelling a notorious sports scandal.

Key facts

  • The film is based on the life of American figure skater Tonya Harding and the controversy surrounding Nancy Kerrigan.
  • It depicts Harding as a talented skater whose career and public image were shaped by the 1994 attack scandal.
  • Margot Robbie portrays Tonya Harding, with Sebastian Stan as Jeff Gillooly and Allison Janney as LaVona Golden.
  • I, Tonya premiered in 2017 and was released theatrically in December 2017.
  • The film received attention for mixing dark comedy with a tabloid-style retelling of a real-life sports scandal.
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Canadian context

The film screened at the Toronto International Film Festival, giving it a Canadian festival connection that is relevant to Canadian audiences.[10][12]

Frequently asked questions

What is I, Tonya about?
It is a dramatized film about figure skater Tonya Harding, focusing on her career and the 1994 Nancy Kerrigan scandal.
Who directed I, Tonya?
Craig Gillespie directed the film.
Who stars in I, Tonya?
The main cast includes Margot Robbie, Sebastian Stan, and Allison Janney.
When was I, Tonya released?
It premiered in 2017 and received a U.S. theatrical release in December 2017.
What genre is I, Tonya?
It is commonly described as a biographical black comedy-drama or comedy-drama.

References

  1. Roger Ebert — https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/i-tonya-2017
    Supports: Plot context involving Tonya Harding, Jeff Gillooly, and the Nancy Kerrigan attack.
  2. The New York Times — https://www.nytimes.com/2017/12/06/movies/i-tonya-review-margot-robbie.html
    Supports: Film description, tone, and the portrayal of Tonya Harding.
  3. Google Play Movies — https://play.google.com/store/movies/details/I_Tonya?id=FYMo-1H9Kaw
    Supports: Synopsis, genre description, and principal cast.
  4. Common Sense Media — https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/i-tonya
    Supports: Runtime, release timing, MPAA rating, genre, and cast.
  5. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I,_Tonya
    Supports: Basic film identification, director, writer, and subject matter.
  6. Wikipedia (Indonesian) — https://id.wikipedia.org/wiki/I,_Tonya
    Supports: Premiere at TIFF and release dates.
  7. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/i_tonya
    Supports: Synopsis, genre, and release information.