UPDATE: Renowned actor Zachary Levi is set to honor the memory of his late friends in the highly anticipated film Not Without Hope, premiering on December 12, 2023. This gripping survival thriller recounts the harrowing tale of boat accident survivor Nick Schuyler, who endured a near-fatal fishing trip off the coast of Florida in 2009.
In an exclusive conversation with Collider, Levi shared the immense responsibility of portraying Schuyler, emphasizing that it is crucial to honor the memory of his friends who tragically lost their lives during the ordeal. “To tell a true story, to immortalize those who were lost, is incredibly important,” Levi stated, highlighting the emotional weight that comes with the role.
The film, based on the nonfiction book by Schuyler and Jere Longman, follows the chilling events of a fishing trip gone wrong, where only Schuyler survived after the boat capsized. Producer Rick French, who has worked tirelessly for nearly two decades to bring this story to life, expressed his anticipation for audience reactions, saying, “When we had our premiere, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house.”
French described the emotional journey of adapting this challenging story, stating, “It’s a difficult and challenging story to tell, but in the end, it’s uplifting.” He aims to honor not only the victims but also the heroic efforts of the United States Coast Guard, who undertook a perilous search and rescue mission. “We want to honor all those men who are part of the story,” French added.
The film’s world premiere showcased the raw emotion and dedication from the cast and crew, with Levi noting the physically demanding conditions they faced during filming. Shooting in cold waters and using intense special effects, Levi described the experience as “the most physically demanding job” he has ever undertaken. “It was gnarly,” he recalled, detailing the challenges they faced to authentically portray the survival struggle.
Levi stressed the importance of hope throughout the film, a sentiment echoed by French. Reflecting on their long journey, French remarked, “After 17 years, I could have given up hope, but I made a commitment to Nick and the families that we would one day tell this story.”
As audiences prepare for the film’s release, the emotional impact of Not Without Hope promises to resonate deeply, reminding viewers of the power of perseverance in the face of unimaginable odds. Levi’s commitment to authenticity and honoring those lost ensures that this film will be a compelling tribute that viewers will not want to miss.
Stay tuned for more updates as Not Without Hope gets closer to its release date. This is a story of survival, resilience, and the indomitable human spirit that deserves to be shared.
