News

Award-winning country singer Carrie Underwood, whose music career began when she won American Idol in 2005, makes the move to the big screen in upcoming drama Soul Surfer.

Based on a true story, the film stars AnnaSophia Robb (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Bridge to Terabithia, The Reaping, Race to Witch Mountain) as teen surfer Bethany Hamilton. Also in the cast are Dennis Quaid as Bethany's dad Tom, Helen Hunt as mum Cheri and Lorraine Nicholason as best friend Alana Blanchard.

Underwood plays church youth ministry leader Sarah Hill (see picture right), whose missions trip to Thailand to help the victims of the 2004 tsunami proves a turning point in Bethany's life.

Directed by Sean McNamara, Soul Surfer is released in the UK by Buena Vista International on September 23. (Certificate PG, running time 106mins). A trailer and posters have been sent over, along with some stills from the movie and the full synopsis.

Soul Surfer, based on the remarkable true story of pro surfer Bethany Hamilton's journey from tragedy to triumph, debuts on Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack and DVD August 2nd from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. The inspiring story of a girl's comeback after a shark attack stars AnnaSophia Robb (Race to Witch Mountain), Academy Award winner Helen Hunt (Best Actress, As Good As It Gets, 1997), Dennis Quaid (The Rookie, G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra), Grammy Award winner Carrie Underwood, Kevin Sorbo (TV's Hercules: The Legendary Journeys) and Lorraine Nicholson (Click). Bonus features include deleted scenes, the documentary "Heart of a Soul Surfer" and three behind-the-scenes featurettes, "The Making of Soul Surfer," which explores the making of the film from the filmmaker's perspective; "Becoming Bethany," which shows how AnnaSophia Robb brought her character to life with the help of Bethany Hamilton; and "Surfing for the Screen: Inside the Action." Soul Surfer...

Sony Pictures will be releasing Soul Surfer on DVD and Blu-Ray August 2nd. This film stars Dennis Quaid, Helen Hunt and Carrie Underwood. This story follows pro-surfer Bethany Hamilton through her real life achievements, her struggles and her moments after a vicious shark attack. With deterimation, she survives her ordeal; later, she goes on to return to surfing, in the finale of this upcoming thriller.

The trailer for Soul Surfer is below and the clip is for all audiences, with the film rated PG-13.

Tagline: "When You Come Back From a Loss, Beat the Odds, and Never Say Never, You Find a Champion."

The synopsis for Soul Surfer is here:

"Soul Surfer is the incredible true story of teen surfer Bethany Hamilton, who lost her arm in a shark attack and courageously overcame all odds to become a champion again, through her sheer determination and unwavering faith. In the wake...

Reviewed by Lila Nordstrom

(April 2011)

Directed by: Sean McNamara

Written by: Sean McNamara, Deborah Schwartz, Douglas Schwartz and Michael Berk

Starring: AnnaSophia Robb, Dennis Quaid, Helen Hunt and Carrie Underwood

According to Wikipedia, a “soul surfer” is a gifted surfer who is spiritually attuned to the water and waves and surfs for the sheer pleasure of it, not the glory that comes with winning competitions. The movie “Soul Surfer” tells the story of Bethany Hamilton, a real-life soul surfer who famously lost her left arm in a shark attack and got back on the board.

In the movie we follow Hamilton (AnnaSophia Robb), a newly sponsored teen surfer who is hoping to turn pro when she loses her limb. Naturally, she spends some time feeling lost and frustrated, but with the help of her parents (Dennis Quaid and Helen Hunt) and a mission trip to tsunami-torn Thaliand led by her...

Reviewed by Lila Nordstrom

(April 2011)

Directed by: Sean McNamara

Written by: Sean McNamara, Deborah Schwartz, Douglas Schwartz and Michael Berk

Starring: AnnaSophia Robb, Dennis Quaid, Helen Hunt and Carrie Underwood

According to Wikipedia, a “soul surfer” is a gifted surfer who is spiritually attuned to the water and waves and surfs for the sheer pleasure of it, not the glory that comes with winning competitions. The movie “Soul Surfer” tells the story of Bethany Hamilton, a real-life soul surfer who famously lost her left arm in a shark attack and got back on the board.

In the movie we follow Hamilton (AnnaSophia Robb), a newly sponsored teen surfer who is hoping to turn pro when she loses her limb. Naturally, she spends some time feeling lost and frustrated, but with the help of her parents (Dennis Quaid and Helen Hunt) and a mission trip to tsunami-torn Thaliand led by her...

Chicago – In our latest true-story edition of HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: Film, we have 35 admit-two passes up for grabs to the advance Chicago screening of the new film “Soul Surfer” with AnnaSophia Robb, Carrie Underwood, Dennis Quaid and Helen Hunt!

“Soul Surfer” also stars Sonya Balmores, Chris Brochu, Christie Brooke, David Chokachi, Kelly Crean, Yasmin Dar, Irie Driscoll, Faith Fay, John Mitchell Fultz, Cody Gomes, Kim Morgan Greene, Dutch Hofstetter and Tiffany Hofstetter from writer and director Sean McNamara.

To win your free pass to the advance Chicago screening of “Soul Surfer” courtesy of HollywoodChicago.com, just answer our question below. That’s it! This screening is on Thursday, April 7, 2011 at 7 p.m. in downtown Chicago. Directions to enter this Hookup and immediately win can be found beneath the graphic below.

The movie poster for “Soul Surfer” with Carrie Underwood, Dennis Quaid and Helen Hunt.

Image credit: FilmDistrict

Here is the...

"Soul Surfer" has cruised to Los Angeles for its premiere on Wednesday, March 30. Among the cast members who came to the premiere at ArcLight Cinemas in Hollywood was Carrie Underwood who wore a floral-printed dress, with a black clutch and black peep-toe heels. Meanwhile, Underwood's co-star AnnaSophia Robb looked stunning in her purple-and-black party dress.

Other female cast members, Lorraine Nicholson and Helen Hunt, also came to the event. Nicholson wore a black dress and matching high heels. At the same time, Hunt looked gorgeous in her blue party dress.

While the actresses graced the event in colorful dresses, the actors apparently felt comfortable in black. Dennis Quaid is snapped donning a white shirt with black blazer and trousers. Jeremy Sumpter and Ross Thomas also sported black outfits. However, Kevin Sorbo looked different by sporting floral-printed shirt and faded blue jeans.

Other stars attending the blue carpet event included Hillary Duff,...

Los Angeles, CA, United States (Ahn Entertainment) - Champion surfer Mary Osborne will interview the stars of "Soul Surfer: The Inspiring True Story of Bethany Hamilton" from the red carpet premier of the film in Los Angeles on March 30.

"Soul Surfer" is the inspiring true story of teen surfer Bethany Hamilton, who lost her arm in a shark attack and courageously overcame all odds to become a champion surfer again, through her sheer determination and unwavering faith.

The film features an all-star cast, including AnnaSophia Robb as Hamilton, who has appeared in "Race to Witch Mountain" and "Jumper." Helen Hunt and Dennis Quaid play Hamilton's parents, and Craig T. Nelson ("Coach," "Parenthood") plays Hamilton's doctor. Country crooner Carrie Underwood is also in the movie, with her film debut as Sarah Hill, a youth and guidance counselor who helps Hamilton overcome her injury and believe in herself to eventually become a champion surfer once again.

Los Angeles, CA, United States (Ahn Entertainment) - Champion surfer Mary Osborne will interview the stars of "Soul Surfer: The Inspiring True Story of Bethany Hamilton" from the red carpet premier of the film in Los Angeles on March 30.

"Soul Surfer" is the inspiring true story of teen surfer Bethany Hamilton, who lost her arm in a shark attack and courageously overcame all odds to become a champion surfer again, through her sheer determination and unwavering faith.

The film features an all-star cast, including AnnaSophia Robb as Hamilton, who has appeared in "Race to Witch Mountain" and "Jumper." Helen Hunt and Dennis Quaid play Hamilton's parents, and Craig T. Nelson ("Coach," "Parenthood") plays Hamilton's doctor. Country crooner Carrie Underwood is also in the movie, with her film debut as Sarah Hill, a youth and guidance counselor who helps Hamilton overcome her injury and believe in herself to eventually become a champion surfer once again.

Enter to win tickets to the screening of Soul Surfer, starring AnnaSophia Robb, Dennis Quaid, Helen Hunt, Carrie Underwood, Lorraine Nicholson and Kevin Sorbo Directed by Sean McNamara, who wrote the screenplay alongside Deborah Schwartz, Douglas Schwartz and Michael Berk, based on the book by Bethany Hamilton, Sheryl Berk and Rick Bundschuh. Soul Surfer is the inspiring true story of teen surfer Bethany Hamilton, who lost her arm in a shark attack and courageously overcame all odds to become a champion again, through her sheer determination and unwavering faith. The film features an all-star cast, including AnnaSophia Robb and Helen Hunt, with Carrie Underwood in her film debut, and Dennis Quaid. In the wake of this life-changing event that took her arm and nearly her life, Bethany’s feisty determination and steadfast beliefs spur her toward an adventurous comeback that gives her the grit to turn her loss into a gift for others.

Watch new movie clips from Soul Surfer, starring AnnaSophia Robb, Dennis Quaid and Helen Hunt. Sean McNamara directs from a screenplay he wrote alongside Deborah Schwartz, a story about teen surfing champ and shark attack survivor Bethany Hamilton (AnnaSophia Robb). Based on Hamilton's autobiography, the biopic focuses on Hamilton who defied all odds after losing her arm. The surf icon went on to compete and win professional championships after losing her arm in a shark attack at the young age of thriteen. Quaid and Hunt play the parents and Underwood will have the role of a church youth leader...

Watch new movie clips from Soul Surfer, starring AnnaSophia Robb, Dennis Quaid and Helen Hunt. Sean McNamara directs from a screenplay he wrote alongside Deborah Schwartz, a story about teen surfing champ and shark attack survivor Bethany Hamilton (AnnaSophia Robb). Based on Hamilton's autobiography, the biopic focuses on Hamilton who defied all odds after losing her arm. The surf icon went on to compete and win professional championships after losing her arm in a shark attack at the young age of thriteen. Quaid and Hunt play the parents and Underwood will have the role of a church youth leader...

Starring Dennis Quaid, Helen Hunt, AnnaSophia Robb, Lorraine Nicholson (Jack.s daughter), Kevin Sorbo and in her film debut, Carrie Underwood.

Soul Surfer is the inspiring true story of teen surfer Bethany Hamilton, who lost her arm in a shark attack and courageously overcame all odds to become a champion again, through her sheer determination and unwavering faith.

The film features an all-star cast, including AnnaSophia Robb and Helen Hunt, with Carrie Underwood in her film debut, and Dennis Quaid.

In the wake of this life-changing event that took her arm and nearly her life, Bethany.s feisty determination and steadfast beliefs spur her toward an adventurous comeback that gives her the grit to turn her loss into a gift for others.

Bethany (Robb) was born to surf.  A natural talent who took to the waves at a young age, she was leading an idyllic, sun-drenched, surfer girl.s life on the Kauai Coast,...

A scene featuring Carrie Underwood in "Soul Surfer" has been clipped and debuted online. Portraying a church youth leader, the singer-turned-actress is seen challenging AnnaSophia Robb's Bethany and her friends to look at their world with God's perspective.

Another clip from the movie has also made its way out via Soul Surfer Wave, this time giving a sneak peek to a dramatic scene with Bethany and Dennis Quaid's Tom Hamilton in which the young girl asks her father when she can surf again. This is very likely happening after Bethany lost her arm in a tragic accident.

"Soul Surfer" is a biopic of surfing icon Bethany Hamilton. Her promising surfing career was derailed after she lost her arm in a shark attack at age 13. With support from her family and friends, she defied all odds to compete and win professional championships.

Sean McNamara directs the movie and teams up with Deborah Schwartz,...

FilmDistrict has released a new poster for their upcoming film Soul Surfer, which tell the true story of Bethany Hamilton, the 13-year-old surfer girl who lost her arm in a shark attack. There's a trailer that's been released for the film, if you haven't seen it yet check it out here. The movie is being directed by Sean McNamara and stars Anna Sophia Robb as Bethany, Dennis Quaid, Helen Hunt, and Carrie Underwood.

Official Plot Synopsis:

Oul Surfer is the inspiring true story of teen surfer Bethany Hamilton, who lost her arm in a shark attack and courageously overcame all odds to become a champion again, through her sheer determination and unwavering faith. The film features an all-star cast, including AnnaSophia Robb and Helen Hunt, with Carrie Underwood in her film debut, and Dennis Quaid. In the wake of this life-changing event that took her arm and nearly her life,...

[1] Earlier this month, a in-house promotional teaser trailer leaked [2] for Soul Surfer, a drama about young, teenage surfer girl (played by Bridge To Terabithia/Race To Witch Mountain's AnnaSophia Robb) who "summons the courage to go back into the ocean after losing an arm in a shark attack." When I posted the teaser, I was kind of weirded out that it contained no hint of a shark attack -- the teaser made it out like the film is just a happy-go-lucky story about a teenage girl surfer. The new full length trailer which has premiered on EW [3] (via FirstShowing [4]) gives audiences the full reveal of what this story is really about. That and a really cheesy speech from Carrie Underwood. Written and directed by Sean McNamara (Bring it On: Fight To The Finish, Into The Blue 2: The Reef, Bratz, 3 Ninjas: High Noon at Mega Mountain), the film co-starring Dennis Quaid,...

Here's a new full trailer for the film Soul Surfer, which is based on the inspiring true story of Bethany Hamilton, the 13-year-old surfer girl who lost her arm in a shark attack. After the incident, she continued to surf, and eventually competed and won several professional championships.

The movie is being directed by Sean McNamara and stars Anna Sophia Robb as Bethany, Dennis Quaid, Helen Hunt, and Carrie Underwood.

Check out the full trailer for the movie below and let us know what you think!

Official Plot Synopsis:

Oul Surfer is the inspiring true story of teen surfer Bethany Hamilton, who lost her arm in a shark attack and courageously overcame all odds to become a champion again, through her sheer determination and unwavering faith. The film features an all-star cast, including AnnaSophia Robb and Helen Hunt, with Carrie Underwood in her film debut, and Dennis Quaid. In the...

The first full trailer for biopic "Soul Surfer" has made its way out via Entertainment Weekly. It opens with high-spirited footage featuring big waves and some youngsters having fun on the beach. The next thing seen is a tragedy that changes Bethany Hamilton's life forever, she lost her arm in a shark attack at age 13.

Her promising surfing career is derailed and she almost ditches surfing. But after getting support from others, she defies all odds to compete and win professional championships.

AnnaSophia Robb takes the lead role, while Dennis Quaid and Helen Hunt play her parents. Country music singer Carrie Underwood makes her big screen debut with this film, portraying a church youth leader who is seen being supportive to Hamilton.

Sean McNamara directs "Soul Surfer" and teams up with Deborah Schwartz, Douglas Schwartz and Michael Berk to write the script. The sports drama will open wide in...

Sean McNamara is bringing to screen the inspirational story of surf icon Bethany Hamilton in "Soul Surfer" which first teaser trailer has hit the web. It follows AnnaSophia Robb's Hamilton who defies all odds to compete and win professional championships after losing her arm in a shark attack at age 13.

The biopic will also become a movie debut for country music singer Carrie Underwood. She takes the role of a church youth leader who is seen being supportive to Hamilton. Dennis Quaid and Helen Hunt additionally join the cast as Hamilton's parents.

Beside serving as a helmer, Sean McNamara teams up with Deborah Schwartz, Douglas Schwartz and Michael Berk to write the script for "Soul Surfer". The sport drama will make its way out on theaters across the nation on April 8.

'Soul Surfer' teaser trailer...

Check out a new photo from Soul Surfer starring Dennis Quaid, Helen Hunt, AnnaSophia Robb, Carrie Underwood, Lorraine Nicholson, Kevin Sorbo and Jeremy Sumpter.

The film is the inspiring true story of teen surfer Bethany Hamilton, who lost her arm in a shark attack and courageously overcame all odds to become a champion again, through her sheer determination and unwavering faith.

In the wake of this life-changing event that took her arm and nearly her life, Bethany’s feisty determination and steadfast beliefs spur her toward an adventurous comeback that gives her the grit to turn her loss into a gift for others.

Bethany (Robb) was born to surf. A natural talent who took to the waves at a young age, she was leading an idyllic, sun-drenched, surfer girl’s life on the Kauai Coast, competing in national competitions with her best friend Alana (Lorraine Nicholson), when everything changed in a heartbeat.

Carrie Underwood is set to grace big screen next year, her movie debut "Soul Surfer" has just been announced to hit U.S. theaters on April 15, 2011, The Hollywood Reporter reports. Along with the release schedule, first pictures from the movie have come out.

Entertainment Weekly has got its hand on a picture of the country music singer, who portrays a church youth leader, carrying a surfer board. Meanwhile, another still from the film captures AnnaSophia Robb's Bethany Hamilton and her parents, portrayed by Dennis Quaid and Helen Hunt.

"Soul Surfer" centers its story on surf icon Hamilton, who lost her left arm in a shark attack in 2003, but returned to competitive surfing months later. Sean McNamara takes the helming duty for the biopic, in addition to writing the script along with Deborah Schwartz, Douglas Schwartz and Michael Berk.

Soul Surfer is the true story of competitive teen surfer Bethany Hamilton, who lost her arm in a shark attack and courageously overcame all odds to become a champion again, inspiring millions worldwide through her sheer determination and unwavering faith. Coming to theaters nationwide on April 15, 2011, this exciting feature film stars Dennis Quaid, Helen Hunt, AnnaSophia Robb, and Carrie Underwood in her film debut. The cast also includes Lorraine Nicholson, Kevin Sorbo and Jeremy Sumpter.

The first film to be released under the new deal between FilmDistrict and Sony Pictures, Soul Surfer will go out as a wide release via TriStar Pictures with a broad-based and integrated marketing campaign managed by FilmDistrict.

The film was independently financed by Enticing Entertainment and Island Film Group, and is a production of Mandalay Vision, Brookwell McNamara Entertainment and Life’s A Beach Entertainment. North American and substantial International rights were acquired prior to...

Sony Pictures has released the first image from the upcoming sports drama Soul Surfer. The film tells “the true story of competitive teen surfer Bethany Hamilton, who lost her arm in a shark attack and courageously overcame all odds to become a champion again, inspiring millions worldwide through her sheer determination and unwavering faith.” Soul Surfer stars Dennis Quaid, Helen Hunt, AnnaSophia Robb, and Carrie Underwood.

Hit the jump to check out the first image from the movie. Soul Surfer is slated to open on April 15, 2011.

Click on the image to see it in high-resolution.

Here’s the press release:

Filmdistrict And Tristar Pictures

To Partner On Release Of ‘Soul Surfer’

Dennis Quaid, Helen Hunt, AnnaSophia Robb and Carrie Underwood

star in the Bethany Hamilton story

the first film to go out under the new FilmDistrict deal with Sony Pictures

New York, November 1, 2010 – Soul Surfer is the true story of competitive teen surfer Bethany Hamilton,...

New York, November 1, 2010 – Soul Surfer is the true story of competitive teen surfer Bethany Hamilton, who lost her arm in a shark attack and courageously overcame all odds to become a champion again, inspiring millions worldwide through her sheer determination and unwavering faith. Coming to theaters nationwide on April 15, 2011, this exciting feature film stars Dennis Quaid, Helen Hunt, AnnaSophia Robb, and Carrie Underwood in her film debut. The cast also includes Lorraine Nicholson, Kevin Sorbo and Jeremy Sumpter. The first film to be released under the new deal between FilmDistrict and Sony Pictures, Soul Surfer will go out as a wide release via TriStar Pictures with a broad-based and integrated marketing campaign managed by FilmDistrict. The film was independently financed by Enticing Entertainment and Island Film Group, and is a production of Mandalay Vision, Brookwell McNamara Entertainment and Life’s A Beach Entertainment. North American and substantial International rights were...

Dennis Quaid, Helen Hunt, AnnaSophia Robb and Carrie Underwood have signed on for the independent drama "Soul Surfer." The film will be a biopic on the teen surfing champ and shark attack survivor Bethany Hamilton, who defied all odds to compete and win professional championships after losing her arm in a shark attack at age 13. The film will be directed by Sean McNamara and marks country music star Underwood's bigscreen debut.Quaid and Hunt play Hamilton's parents, Robb will play Hamilton and Underwood will play a church youth leader. Lorraine Nicholson and Kevin Sorbo have also been cast.According to Variety, McNamara, Deborah Schwartz, Douglas Schwartz and Michael Berk wrote the screenplay.Shooting began this week in Hawaii. Douglas Schwartz, David Brookwell,...

Dennis Quaid, Helen Hunt, AnnaSophia Robb, Carrie Underwood, Lorraine Nicholson and Kevin Sorbo will all be starring in the indie drama “Soul Surfer,” about surfer Bethany Hamilton, who survived a brutal shark attack while surfing at 13. Sean McNamara is directing the project, which is based on Hamilton’s autobiography. Robb will star as Hamilton, with Quaid and Hunt playing her parents. The script was done by McNamara, Deborah Schwartz, Douglas Schwartz and Michael Berk, and filming is set to begin this week in Hawaii. Hamilton was surfing in 2003 in Hawaii with some friends when a tiger shark attacked her as she lay on her board with her left [...]...

Dennis Quaid, Helen Hunt, AnnaSophia Robb and Carrie Underwood are set to star in Sean McNamara's indie drama "Soul Surfer," a film about surfing champion Bethany Hamilton and her shark attack.

Robb will play the central character, according to Variety. She plats Hamilton, who went on to win professional surfing championships after losing one arm in a shark attack when she was 13 years old.

Hunt and Quaid are on board to play her parents, while Underwood play a church youth leader (one that probably sings). McNamara, Deborah Schwartz, Douglas Schwartz and Michael Berk wrote the script.

"Surfer" is already shooting. McNamara also helmed "Raise Your Voice" and "Bratz." Quaid can now be seen in "Legion." Robb starred in "Race to Witch Mountain," and for Underwood, this will be her film debut.

From American Idol to country music superstar to movie star! Carrie Underwood is making her big screen debut in the film "Soul Surfer" starring Dennis Quaid, Helen Hunt, and AnnaSophia Robb.

The indie-drama is about teen surfing champ and shark attack survivor Bethany Hamilton. Based on Hamilton's autobiography, Robb will star as the surf champion who won professional championships after losing her arm in a shark attack at age 13. (Read Hamilton's wiki here, it's quite inspiring!)

Quaid and Hunt will star as Hamilton's parents, and Underwood will play a church youth leader.

"Soul Surfer" starts shooting this week in Hawaii from director Sean McNamara ("Bratz: The Movie" really?). The script is written by McNamara, Deborah Schwartz, Douglas Schwartz and Michael Berk.

Again I ask, from the guy who gave us "Bratz: The Movie"...really? Well, I hope the script is good, and that Underwood can act as well as she can sing!

American country music star Carrie Underwood is to make her film debut in Soul Surfer, about shark attack survivor Bethany Hamilton who went on to become a teen surfing champion.

The lead role is to be played by 16-year-old AnnaSophia Robb, previously seen in Bridge to Terabithia and last year's Race to Witch Mountain.

Directed by Sean McNamara (Bratz: The Movie) and based on Hamilton's autobiography, the project centres on the surf icon who won professional championships despite losing her arm to a shark at the age of 13.

Dennis Quaid and Helen Hunt play Hamilton's parents, while Underwood - who was the 2005 winner of American Idol - has been cast as a church youth leader, reports Variety.

McNamara, Deborah Schwartz, Douglas Schwartz and Michael Berk penned the screenplay for Enticing Entertainment and Island Film Group. Filming began this week in Hawaii.

Dennis Quaid, Helen Hunt, AnnaSophia Robb and Carrie Underwood, in her big screen debut, will star in the independent drama Soul Surfer , about teen surfing champ and shark attack survivor Bethany Hamilton. Being directed by Sean McNamara, the project marks country music star Underwood's bigscreen debut. The biopic, which started shooting this week in Hawaii, centers on the surf icon (Robb) who defied all odds to compete and win professional championships after losing her arm in a shark attack at age 13. Quaid and Hunt play Hamilton's parents, and Underwood has taken on the role of a church youth leader. McNamara, Deborah Schwartz, Douglas Schwartz and Michael Berk wrote the screenplay. Lorraine Nicholson and Kevin Sorbo round out the cast.

Country music star Carrie Underwood will make her big screen debut alongside Dennis Quaid, Helen Hunt and AnnaSophia Robb in the indie inspirational drama "Soul Surfer" for Mandalay Vision, Brookwell McNamara Entertainment and Life’s A Beach Entertainment.

The story is based on an autobiography by Bethany Hamilton, a Hawaiian native and teen surfing champion who won her first major competition at just eight years old. Several years later and with much respect in the surfing world, her life changed forever when she was attacked by a 14-foot tiger shark off Kauai.

Losing her left arm, she refused to five up and went on to surf in professional championships despite the disability.

Quaid and Hunt are going to play Hamilton's parents while Underwood will play the role of a church youth leader named Sarah Hill. Lorraine Nicholson and Kevin Sorbo also star

Sean McNamara is directing from a script he co-wrote with Deborah Schwartz,...

The indie drama Soul Surfer is off to a nice start with an incredibly mixed cast. Dennis Quaid, Helen Hunt, AnnaSophia Robb and ex-idol Carrie Underwood will cover the title characters.

Quaid, Hunt, Robb and Underwood for Soul Surfer

Directed by Sean McNamara off a script she wrote with Deborah Schwartz, Douglas Schwartz and Michael Berk, Soul Surfer is based on the biography of Bethany Hamilton, the teen surfing champ and shark attack survivor. The biopic centers on the surf icon (Robb) who defied all odds to compete and win professional championships after losing her arm in a shark attack at age 13. Quaid and Hunt play Hamilton's parents, and Underwood has taken on the role of a church youth leader.

Carrie Underwood joins the cast of Soul Surfer In a story from Variety, Dennis Quaid, Helen Hunt, AnnaSophia Robb and Carrie Underwood are going to star in the indie drama Soul Surfer. The film centers on teen surfing champ and shark attack survivor Bethany Hamilton.

Sean McNamara is directing this project that showcases the country music star's big-screen bow.

The film is based on Hamilton's autobiography. It follows the surf icon (Robb) "who defied all odds to compete and win professional championships after losing her arm in a shark attack at age 13."

Quaid and Hunt are going to play Hamilton's parents. Underwood will play the role of a church youth leader.

McNamara, Deborah Schwartz, Douglas Schwartz and Michael Berk wrote the screenplay for this film.

Also in the film are Lorraine Nicholson and Kevin Sorbo. It started shooting this week in Hawaii.