My kids are animal lovers so it was no surprise that they loved Dolphin Tale. Now, they are excited about Dolphin Tale 2 and the arrival of Hope. Listening to the cast and crew of the movie speak about their roles in the film introduced a fun behind-the-scenes look into the movie.
Dolphin Tale 2
Every movie has a beginning. A reason as to why it was made. Dolphin Tale 2 actually began at the wrap party for the first movie. As the entire cast and crew was celebrating the completion of the film, the Clearwater Marine Aquarium received a phone call stating a baby dolphin was in trouble. The dolphin was brought to the Aquarium as the cast gathered around. Nathan Gamble, who plays Sawyer, thought they were still filming scenes for the movie. Harry Connick, Jr. (Dr. Clay Haskett) remembered thinking that the scenario would make another great movie and someone should be writing everything down. Little did they know that it would become the premise for Dolphin Tale 2.
With the first film behind them, once the cast came together to work on Dolphin Tale 2, it felt like a “family reunion” according to Harry Connick, Jr. This made the dynamics of the characters much easier to work with and they were able to jump right into filming. Even with the learning curve a new project can bring, the cast and crew were able to get right to work on the second movie.
Working with both dolphins, Winter and Hope, each cast member was able to walk away with a valuable lesson of their own. Harry Connick, Jr, stated, “there’s something to be said for acceptance and being able to process adversity gracefully.” Being able to watch Winter overcome and be happy with her life allowed him to see things in life a bit differently. Even Nathan Gamble mentioned that he used to see others with physical handicaps as “different.” After working on the film he came to realize that they are actually a lot braver than him and others without those limitations. Cozi Zuehlsdorff, who plays Hazel Haskett, made a similar statement when she said, “the only difference between someone with a harder life challenge than you is that they are braver than all of us can ever hope to be.” How true that is!
Dolphin Tale 2 opens everywhere September 12. The movie inspires those with disabilities, handicaps and other physical or mental ailments to keep pushing through and is great for the whole family.