After a tumultuous World Cup that saw Trump pull favours with the latest self interested FIFA president we get a new football that focusses on London based football team West Ham aka The Hammers and its an incredible true story that for fans is the stuff of dreams.
The once in a lifetime West Ham moment
With a cast that is led by Anson Boon (MobLand), Ellie Bamber (Ebenezer) and the always terrific Eddie Marsan the film is set in 1994 London. Just as big-hearted, big-mouthed football supporter, Steve “Pringle” Davies (Boon) hits rock bottom, he gets pulled from the crowd by coach Harry Redknapp (Marsan) at halftime to play a professional game for his beloved West Ham United. It’s a million-to-one shot that just might save his relationship with his first love, Penny (Bamber), and get this glory-hunter’s life back on track.”
Up the Hammers!
Yes it is a true story and many might remember when the teams well known soccer coach Harry Redknapp pulled a mouthy fan from the stands to play in a professional match…with unexpected consequences. Titled ‘Halftime Hero’, Ole Sanders will direct and write the screenplay based on Jeff Maysh’s Guardian piece, ‘The day Harry Redknapp brought a fan on to play for West Ham’. Begind the film is Joachim Rønning’s The Saga Company, Ridley Scott’s Scott Free and Live Nation Studios.
There’s been some decent true story football films over the past few years most recently, ‘Saipan’ that starred Steve Coogan in as Mick McCarthy as the manager of the Ireland team and his bust up with the team captain Roy Keane at the 2002 World Cup and is well worth a look.
Production on Halftime hero is already underway
related feature : ‘Saipan’ : The Directors on recreating one of football’s most explosive moments
related feature : We take a look at Taika Waitit’s ‘Next Goal Wins’ – the worst football team ever!
