Fox’s new film Eddie the Eagle lands in theaters today.
Starring Hugh Jackman and Taron Egerton, the inspirational and occasionally comedic sports drama tells the story of Eddie Edwards, a man who earned a spot on the British Olympic Ski Jumping team during the 1988 Games (and a pretty iconic nickname as well).
Egerton plays Edwards, a bumbling, optimistic young lad with dreams of heading to the Olympics. Which sport he’ll compete in isn’t all that clear, as athletic prowess doesn’t come naturally for the guy. Amidst plenty of pressure from his father to pursue a real job and concern from his mother, who accompanies him to more than a few doctor’s visits – injuries resulting from his self-guided “training” – Edwards perseveres. He ends up choosing ski jumping as his Olympic sport and heads to a small German town nestled between the Alps to train. He works at a local bar, sleeps in a broom closet and recruits a washed-up alcoholic and former star of the sport – a delightfully in-his-element Jackman – to help him qualify for the Games.
Their burgeoning friendship gives the sometimes overly-sentimental tale a much needed dose of humor. (A scene where Jackman drunkenly tackles a 70-meter jump is a particular highlight.)
Though the film takes liberties with Edwards’ life, (his coach was in Lake Placid and wasn’t an alcoholic), the real Edwards tells Guideposts.org that the film captured the struggle he faced, from family, friends and even his country, in pursuing his dream. “It’s captured the heart and spirit of my story,” says Edwards, who consulted on Eddie the Eagle.
Edwards was able to meet with the cast, particularly Egerton – who shines in the film – and says the commitment shown by the young actor made him confident his story was in good hands.
“He listened to me, took everything on board and got my mannerisms and accent spot on,” Edwards says.
The athlete hopes the film can encourage others to push boundaries and break the mold.
“I was always told ‘no,’ and I loved proving people wrong,” Edwards says. “I hope people are inspired by my story [to] chase their own dreams.”
Eddie the Eagle is in theaters now.
