'Soul Surfer' Bethany Hamilton to Star in 'Dolphin Tale' Sequel

By Emma Koonse, Christian Post Reporter Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Bethany Hamilton, the inspirational pro surfer behind the movie "Soul Surfer," announced that she is joining the "Dolphin Tale" sequel film on Tuesday.

The surfer will portray herself in "Dolphins 2," the follow-up to the successful 2011 family film "Dolphin Tale."

Hamilton will join the original film's returning cast members, which include Ashley Judd, Harry Connick Jr., Morgan Freeman, and Kris Kristofferson, among many others.

Similar to its predecessor, "Dolphin Tale 2" tells another true story inspired by the life of a rescued bottlenose dolphin named Winter. In it, Hamilton will portray herself.

"Dolphin Tale 2" is currently filming in Clearwater, Fla., and the film is expected for release on Sept. 19, 2014.

Hamilton gained international recognition and inspired millions of people after surviving an incredible ordeal and facing her fears in the inspiring true story found in "Soul Surfer."

At the age of 13, Hamilton was bitten by a 14-foot tiger shark while surfing off the coast of Kauai, Hawaii's North Shore, leaving her with a severed left arm. Amazingly, she was able to overcome her injury and ultimately return to pro surfing.

Hamilton's autobiographical film "Soul Surfer" starred AnnaSophia Robb, Helen Hunt and Dennis Quaid.

Today, the 23-year-old is a surfing champion, an author, and a newlywed- she married Adam Dirks on Aug. 17 in Kauai.

The broken, bitten surfboard Hamilton had been using at the time of the attack is on display at the California Surf Museum.