UPDATE: Actor Zachary Levi is gearing up for the release of the highly anticipated survival thriller Not Without Hope, set to hit theaters on December 12, 2023. This urgent adaptation tells the harrowing true story of boat accident survivor Nick Schuyler and his friends, who faced unimaginable odds during a tragic fishing trip off the coast of Florida.
In an exclusive preview event with Collider, Levi shared the immense weight he felt in portraying Schuyler, who lost three friends in the tragic accident. “To be able to tell a story like that is important,” Levi emphasized, highlighting the film’s focus on perseverance in the face of adversity.
The film, based on a nonfiction book by Schuyler and Jere Longman, recounts the gripping tale of survival when their boat capsized, leaving Schuyler as the sole survivor. Producer Rick French, who has dedicated nearly two decades to bringing this story to the screen, expressed his emotional journey, stating, “I was involved with Nick and his story since a couple of days after the accident in 2009.”
With its world premiere recently held, the film has already garnered emotional responses, with French noting, “There wasn’t a dry eye in the house.” He hopes audiences will resonate with the film’s themes of hope and heroism, especially reflecting on the courageous efforts of the United States Coast Guard during the rescue.
Levi’s portrayal required significant physical and emotional preparation. He described the filming conditions as “gnarly,” emphasizing the intense experiences of shooting mostly at night in cold water. “It was definitely the most physically demanding job as an actor I’ve ever been a part of,” Levi stated, underscoring the dedication of the cast and crew who faced challenging conditions to authentically depict this true story.
The film’s narrative is not just about survival; it resonates deeply with themes of hope and perseverance. Levi shared his personal connection to the story, revealing, “I’ve always been a deeply spiritual person, but I struggle—having hope.” He aims to inspire audiences to hold onto hope, even in difficult moments.
As the December release approaches, anticipation builds. French reflected on the long journey of bringing this important story to life, stating, “There was a no quit in the same way that none of those guys quit.”
With Not Without Hope, Levi and French aim to honor the memories of those who perished while celebrating the resilience of the human spirit. This film promises to impact audiences profoundly, creating a conversation around hope, loss, and survival.
Stay tuned for more updates as the release date approaches, and prepare to witness a powerful story that is both heartbreaking and uplifting.
