The city has a date with the silver screen yet again. The film 12 Mighty Orphans, based on author Jim Dent’s book, will be produced this fall in Fort Worth.
Michael De Luca Productions, Santa Rita Film Co., and Greenbelt Films shared the news Wednesday that 12 Mighty Orphans will be filmed in Funkytown. Actor and Dallas native Luke Wilson will headline the film as Coach Rusty Russell, a World War I veteran with a troubled past who accepts a job as head football coach at a Texas orphanage and high school in southeast Fort Worth.
The film will depict the true story of the orphanage overlooking Fort Worth, where Coach Russell molds youngsters into unlikely athletes.
“For me, there’s nothing more important than authenticity in making a movie. Shooting in Fort Worth provides a foundation for us to build our film which allows our team to source everything as it was — from references, to historians, to the real locations — all of this is invaluable to a period movie,” said Ty Roberts, director of 12 Mighty Orphans, in a news release.
The film team will be working with local crews and cast members, Roberts says. The Fort Worth Film Commission and Visit Fort Worth began working with producers in early 2018, pitching and scouting locations throughout Fort Worth and Weatherford.
“This is an important Fort Worth story and a fantastic opportunity for the local industry,” said Jessica Christopherson, AVP of marketing and film commissioner, in the release. “We will be working with them throughout the process to assist with locations, permits and anything else that may be needed during filming.”
12 Mighty Orphans will be directed by Ty Roberts, who co-wrote the script with actor and writer Lane Garrison. The film will be produced by Houston Hill, Brinton Bryan and Fort Worth’s Michael De Luca and Angelique De Luca. Fort Worth’s George M. Young Jr. and Rhett Bennett are executive producing the film.
