Liam Neeson to Play Hockey Coach Jack Blatherwick in Believe 13
Robert Lorenz will direct the film, his third with Neeson, with principal photography set for early 2027 in Minnesota.
Liam Neeson has been cast as hockey coach and trainer Jack Blatherwick in the film Believe 13, according to Deadline. The project is based on the life rights of Blatherwick and Jack "Jabby" Jablonski.
Robert Lorenz will direct, marking his third collaboration with Neeson. Randy Brown wrote the screenplay. Kristin Hahn of Hahnscape Entertainment and Michele Weisler are producing, with Clearblack Films.
Principal photography is scheduled to begin in early 2027 in Minnesota, and additional casting is ongoing.
Lisa Wilson will introduce Believe 13 to worldwide buyers at the upcoming AFM.
Blatherwick's career
Blatherwick helped train the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team, which beat the Soviet team in the game known as the "Miracle On Ice." After the Olympics, he joined Herb Brooks' staff on the New York Rangers.
Jablonski was a highly touted 16-year-old high school player wearing jersey number 13 when he suffered a spinal injury that left him paralysed. His high school team went on to win the state championship, and he later spent a decade on the LA Kings communications team.
Quick answers
Who directs Believe 13?
Robert Lorenz directs, his third collaboration with Liam Neeson. Randy Brown wrote the screenplay.
When does filming start on Believe 13?
Principal photography is set to begin in early 2027 in Minnesota, with additional casting ongoing.
Who is Liam Neeson playing in Believe 13?
Neeson plays hockey coach and trainer Jack Blatherwick, whose life rights and those of Jack "Jabby" Jablonski underpin the film.