Family audiences know her best as Jo McGuire in the Disney Channel series Lizzie McGuire. Sci-fi fans will recognize her as Lal, the daughter built by Data in Star Trek: The Next Generation. But there’s another side to HALLIE TODD of which you might not be aware; that of writer and producer. And we see those talents come shining through with THE LAST CHAMPION.
Making THE LAST CHAMPION a true family affair as Todd collaborates with her husband Glenn Withrow, who also directs the film, and their daughter Ivy Withrow. The sophomore follow-up to the Todd-Withrow suspense-filled The Mooring, this go-round they made the conscious decision to tell an inspirational story about redemption, second chances, and family.
Starring Yellowstone‘s Cole Hauser as John Wright, a former hometown hero who fell from grace, we pick up John’s story 20 years later as he returns to his small town to settle up the affairs of his mother who just passed away. A champion high school wrestler who made it all the way to the Olympics, one wrong decision has haunted John all these years and even now, he hangs his head in shame, unable to forgive himself for a youthful indiscretion. Sadly, it looks like the town hasn’t forgiven him either, especially his high school rival Bobby Baker, now the town banker and the man who holds the mortgage on the Wright family home. But just when things seem darkest, John is given a second chance by his high school’s wrestling team. Will he take it? Will he let himself take it? Or will the past continue to consume him as well as a talented young wrestler on the team who himself needs a champion?
In addition to Hauser, who is perfection as John Wright, THE LAST CHAMPION boasts an outstanding cast including Randall Batinkoff as Bobby Baker. A more perfect casting of old friends and rivals John and Bobby, could not be found than Hauser and Batinkoff as they bring their own 30+ year friendship to the fore. Joining Batinkoff in supporting roles are Todd herself, along with Sean Scully, Casey Moss, Bob McCracken, and Peter Onorati. A key to the emotional power of THE LAST CHAMPION is that not only is the story led by the tacit strength of Hauser as an actor and the strength of the character construct but each of the supporting characters, these long time residents in this small town, are fully fleshed out with resonant believability.
A “must see” film that tackles redemption, friendship, forgiveness, and the need to forgive oneself in order to find oneself, I had a chance to speak at length about THE LAST CHAMPION with screenwriter/actor/producer HALLIE TODD in this exclusive interview, going in-depth in the making of THE LAST CHAMPION discussing, among others:
- the seeds of inspiration for the story including Glenn Withrow’s days as a high school wrestler
- importance and selection of locations
- the importance of a collaborative family unit telling a story that delves into family; a town that’s a family
- themes
- stepping out of her comfort zone as an actor
- challenges of shooting in winter
- Cole Hauser as John Wright
by debbie elias, exclusive interview 12/03/2020
