EXCLUSIVE: Emmy nominees Walton Goggins (The White Lotus) and Lewis Pullman (Lessons In Chemistry) are newly aboard climbing movie Batso, joining the previously announced Jessica Biel in the true story of a trio of trailblazing climbers who in the early 1970s took on the most difficult route up iconic peak El Capitan in Yosemite National Park.
The film is based on the true story of Warren ‘Batso’ Harding and Dean Caldwell’s attempt to conquer ‘The Wall of Early Morning Light’.
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Goggins is portraying Harding and Pullman will be Caldwell with Biel portraying Beryl Knauth, Batso’s romantic partner and a key pillar in the Yosemite climbing community. 80 For Brady filmmaker and Splitsville star and co-writer Kyle Marvin is directing.
18 months ago Ethan Hawke and Daniel Radcliffe were attached in the lead roles but the project has undergone changes.
The synopsis reads: “In 1970, The Wall of Early Morning Light was an unthinkable climb. For larger-than-life climbing legends Batso and Caldwell, it represented a near impossible physical and mental challenge. For iconoclast Batso, it also offered one last chance to stick it to the naysayers who thought him too old, too out of touch, and too crazy. For novice Dean, it was a way to see beyond his 9-5 existence and unlock the awesome potential of the human spirit.
“What began as an almost farcical exercise became one of the great underdog stories in the history of the sport. The estimated 10-day climb stretched into a 28-day marathon of grit and determination which sparked a media sensation.”
Script comes from Eamon O’Sullivan. Marvin will produce alongside his Watch This Ready partners Emily Korteweg and Michael Angelo Covino. The company most recently produced Splitsville, which premiered at this year’s Cannes Film Festival. That film is currently in release via Neon.
North.Five.Six. is handling international sales, with Michael Rothstein, Sam Hall and Warren Goz serving as executive producers. CAA Media Finance and WME Independent, which are arranging financing for the film, represent its North American rights.
“A climb is only as successful as its preparation and its team members” says director Marvin. “We have got a fantastic team assembled for this picture and are prepared to make a film that captures the spirit and world of 70s climbing in a way that hasn’t been seen before.”
Goggins is repped by Darris Hatch Management and CAA. Pullman is repped by CAA and Anonymous Content.
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‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
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