Gerard Butler will star in Walden Media’s new surfer drama Mavericks, according to Deadline Hollywood. Butler will play Jay Moriarity’s mentor and trainer Rick “Frosty” Hesson in this biopic drama.
Jay Moriarity made a name for himself in the surfing world, not only as an exceptional young surfer of Santa Cruz, but with his mission to tame the sometimes 5-story tall waves of northern California called Mavericks. He died at the young age of 22 in a diving accident, but his fame lives on. Butler’s character plays an important part in Moriarity’s life as a mentor who formed a deep friendship with the young surfer over the year he trained him.
Though no star has been attached yet to play Moriarity, Butler brings some heft and notoriety to this upcoming film. Curtis Hanson (L.A. Confidential) will direct the film penned by Kario Salem (The Score) and Brandon Hooper.
Walden Media is known for its family-oriented releases, and this looks to be an inspirational film just up their alley. Mavericks starts shooting in October.
