EXCLUSIVE: Hockey’s Hollywood moment, largely driven by the success of smash TV show Heated Rivalry, has made its way to the American Film Market in the shape of Believe 13, which will see Liam Neeson hang up his more accustomed market weaponry in favour of some hockey mitts.
Oscar nominee Neeson will play legendary coach and trainer Jack Blatherwick, a key figure in the U.S.’s Winter Olympics ‘Miracle On Ice’ victory, in Believe 13, the true story of how he helped a budding hockey star after the teen suffers a catastrophic injury.
Pic will be directed by Robert Lorenz (The Marksman), marking the third collaboration between director and Neeson. Written byRandy Brown, the film is inspired by a true story based on the life rights of Jack Blatherwick and Jack “Jabby” Jablonski.
The film is set to start principal photography in early 2027 in Minnesota. Solution partner Lisa Wilson will introduce the film to worldwide buyers at the upcoming AFM. Additional casting is ongoing.
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Blatherwick was the hockey training physiologist and longtime high-school coach. He helped Herb Brooks train the 1980 U.S. Olympic Team that famously overcame the Soviet juggernaut and then joined Brooks’ staff on the New York Rangers. Jack “Jabby” Jablonski was a highly touted 16 year-old high-school hockey player (who wore jersey number 13) when he suffered a major spinal injury which left him paralysed. ‘Jabby’ inspired fans across the country through his resilience and his high school team would go on to win the state championship. He would go on to work for a decade in the communications team of the LA Kings.
According to producers, Neeson will star as “Jack, a retired hockey legend who is brilliant, isolated and losing his sense of purpose. When he meets Jabby, a transcendent teenage talent whose injury on the ice threatens to consume the boy with despair, the two forge an unlikely friendship that ultimately saves them both and inspires Jabby’s high school hockey team to achieve the impossible.”
The film “follows two men from different generations brought together by a shared love of hockey. What begins as an unlikely connection born of tragedy grows into a profound, lifelong friendship that transcends the game.”
Producers are Kristin Hahn for Hahnscape Entertainment (The Morning Show) and Michele Weisler, and Clearblack Films (The Kissing Booth franchise). Additional producers include Myles Nestel for Solution Entertainment (Werewolves) and Matt Einstein of Tradition Pictures (To Kill a Nazi). The Departed exec producer Hahn secured the life rights and originated the feature.
Neeson is a long-time hockey fan and regular attendee at New York Rangers games. He recently did the voice over for an ESPN NHL Opening Night spot.
“We’re thrilled to partner with this incredible creative team to bring Jack and Jabby’s remarkable story to the screen,” said Hahn. “Liam Neeson brings not only his singular humanity and gravitas to the film, but a genuine affinity for hockey and its stories, most recently lending his voice to ESPN’s evocative opening of the NHL season. To see him continue that connection to the game through this deeply human story, while reuniting with his longtime collaborator Robert Lorenz, makes this project all the more special.”
Weisler added: “With Liam Neeson portraying legendary hockey figure Jack Blatherwick, the film will take audiences beyond the ice and into a powerful story of resilience, determination, hope, and the transformative power of second chances—both in the game and in life.”
Liam Neeson is represented by CAA, and attorney Mark Stankevich. Robert Lorenz is represented by UTA. Randy Brown is represented by UTA and Anonymous Content. Kristin Hahn is represented by WME, Lighthouse Management, and attorney Stewart Brookman. Michele Weisler is represented by attorney Larry Weinberg.
