Sean Astin, Jeremy Piven, and Lorraine Bracco Join Inspiring Will Rogers Sports Drama WILL TO WIN
A new sports drama inspired by the legacy of Will Rogers is bringing together an impressive cast, and it sounds like it could deliver an uplifting story packed with heart, determination, and a touch of old-fashioned wisdom.
Sean Astin, best known to geeks everywhere for his unforgettable role in The Lord of the Rings trilogy, is set to star alongside Jeremy Piven, Lorraine Bracco, and Isabel DeRoy-Olson in Will To Win, a high school sports drama that draws inspiration from one of America’s most beloved historical figures.
The film marks a significant milestone as the first movie ever officially endorsed by Rogers’ family. The legendary entertainer, who was born a citizen of the Cherokee Nation and became known as “Oklahoma’s Favorite Son,” rose to become one of Hollywood’s biggest stars during the 1930s.
At the height of his fame, Rogers was among the highest-paid actors in the industry before his life was tragically cut short in a plane crash.
Will To Win follows a young Chickasaw softball player played by DeRoy-Olson. After the loss of her parents, she is forced to start over at a new school, only to discover there isn’t a softball team for her to join.
Refusing to let that stop her, she earns a spot on the boys’ baseball team under the guidance of a caring coach played by Astin.
Her journey becomes even more challenging when she finds herself targeted by the school board president, portrayed by Piven, who wants her removed from the team.
As she struggles through the obstacles in front of her, she begins imagining conversations with Will Rogers himself, who offers encouragement and insight to help her navigate life’s toughest moments.
The supporting cast also includes Stefany Mathias (Prey) as the young athlete’s grandmother. Bracco will portray the grandmother’s friend, a woman who questions the way the girl is being raised.
The film is being directed by Sean McNamara, whose recent work includes Reagan. The screenplay comes from Aaron Fulkerson, adapting the novel by Jim Stovall, author of The Ultimate Gift.
McNamara shared his excitement for the film, saying: “We have this fantastic script combining the persistence of the human spirit with the wit and wisdom of Will Rogers, and with this cast, the film is really going to shine.”
The endorsement from Rogers’ family gives the project an extra layer of significance. Jennifer Rogers Etcheverry, Will Rogers’ great-granddaughter and family representative, previously explained why this film stands apart from previous opportunities:
“While we have been approached many times in the past about producing movies, this is the first time the family has endorsed a movie project. We are thrilled to see that audiences in the 21st century will learn about the impact of Will Rogers on the world.”
Between its underdog sports story, themes of perseverance, strong Indigenous representation, and a cast led by Astin, Piven, and Bracco, Will To Win has all the ingredients of a feel-good drama that could connect with audiences looking for an inspiring story about resilience and believing in yourself when the odds are stacked against you.
Source: Deadline