Thrown into unfamiliar circumstances teenager Skylar Forest, traumatized by the recent death of her parents, finds purpose in life by learning about Will Rogers, embracing her Native American heritage and breaking down gender barriers, all on the way to a state baseball championship and ultimately discovering what drives her Will To Win.

In a recent announcement from Producers, veteran Film Director Sean McNamara will oversee the creative vision for the Will To Win movie. McNamara is well known for the breakout hit Soul Surfer. Additionally, Mr. McNamara has two movies releasing theatrically in 2024: Reagan and Bau: Artist At War. Along with producing partner David Brookwell, McNamara has directed more than 40 feature films for Paramount Pictures, Republic Pictures, Sony, Tri-Star Pictures, New Line Cinema, Lionsgate, and Universal Studios, among others. Lead Producers Russ Kirkpatrick & Andy Kinslow are thrilled to have McNamara on the project, saying “Sean’s successful track record is key to what we imagine will be an incredibly inspiring movie for families across the world.” The production is represented by Wendy Drummond of Drummond Law, who brokered the deal with Mr. McNamara’s Agent David Saunders at Independent Artist Group. 

From left to right: Russ Kirkpatrick, Karen Miller (Will Rogers High School), Sean McNamara, David Brookwell, and Andy Kinslow touring Will Rogers High. Photo by Chuck Foxen.

WHAT’S NEXT?

Now that our film director has signed on to the project, producers will coordinate final financing and schedules for cast, crew and others, while also navigating possible summer Hollywood union strikes. Will To Win is scheduled to be filmed in 2024. 

DID YOU KNOW?

Will Rogers was a huge box office draw! By today’s standards, Will Rogers was a mega movie star. It was during the nascent stages of Hollywood film that Will Rogers made a name for himself on the silver screen. He appeared in 71 motion pictures (50 silent films and 21 “talkies,” the first films in which dialogue could be heard) before his death in 1935. Now, through the Will To Win movie, Will Rogers will make his return to the big screen.

Will Rogers and co-star, Billie Burke, in "Doubting Thomas" (1935). Courtesy of 20th Century Fox.

“We will never have true civilization until we have learned to recognize the rights of others.

-Will Rogers

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