Surfer Bethany Hamilton, whose life inspired the 2011 drama “Soul Surfer,” has joined the cast of Alcon Entertainment’s “Dolphin Tale 2,” the company said Monday.
Hamilton will play herself in writer-director Charles Martin Smith’s sequel to the 2011 family film, “Dolphin Tale.”
Also read: Box Office Goes for Upbeat: ‘Dolphin Tale’ Takes $14.2M in Downer Market
Inspired by another true story, the 2014 Warner Bros. release will revolve around bottle nose dolphin Hope, the real-life baby of Winter, the dolphin who was the animal star of the first film.
Harry Connick Jr., Morgan Freeman, Kris Kristofferson, Ashley Judd, Nathan Gamble and Cozi Zuehlsdorff are among the returning cast members.
Hamiliton has appeared in a number of TV shows and documentaries due to her inspirational life, which was nearly cut short at the age of 13 when a 14-foot tiger shark attacked her while surfing. Left with just one arm, she went on to win a national title and accomplish her dream of becoming a professional surfer.
“Dolphin Tale 2” is currently filming in Clearwater, Fla., and is scheduled to hit theaters Sept. 19.