Taron Egerton played it tough and cool in his breakout Kingsman: The Secret Service role, and since has gone on to become one of today's rising stars. But for any up and coming star there are certain rites of passage which Egerton seems to be going through. He's had his period piece (Testament of Youth), has signed on for his first franchise (Robin Hood: Origins), and with Eddie the Eagle his first inspirational sports drama.
Only a few days ago the first international trailer for the film hit, which makes sense considering its subject, Olympic ski jumper Eddie Edwards, is considered a British hero, but today brings the U.S. version which is slightly different. Edwards was the plucky underdog who overcame a lack of funding and various physical hurdles to become Great Britain's first Olympic ski jumper in the 1988 Calgary Olympics. He did it all with the help of his trainer (Hugh Jackman) who helped make Eddie's longtime dream come true. Here's the official synopsis:
Inspired by true events, Eddie the Eagle is a feel-good story about Michael "Eddie" Edwards (Taron Egerton), an unlikely but courageous British ski-jumper who never stopped believing in himself - even as an entire nation was counting him out. With the help of a rebellious and charismatic coach (played by Hugh Jackman), Eddie takes on the establishment and wins the hearts of sports fans around the world by making an improbable and historic showing at the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics. From producers of Kingsman: The Secret Service, Eddie the Eagle stars Taron Egerton as Eddie, the loveable underdog with a never say die attitude.
The film is produced by Matthew Vaughn and directed by Dexter Fletcher, opening on February 26th 2016.
