After breaking out in the superb comic book actioner Kingsman: The Secret Service, Taron Egerton is now poised to scale new heights in Eddie The Eagle. Directed by Sunshine on Leith helmer Dexter Fletcher, the film tackles the world of Olympic ski jumping with Egerton front and center as British competitor Michael Edwards. The sports flick is based on the inspirational story of Edwards’ experiences in preparing for the 1988 Calgary Winter Games, and now the first international trailer for the movie has arrived to whet your appetite.
On board to accompany him on those snowy slopes, and to deliver go-get-’em speeches, is Wolverine himself, Hugh Jackman. The X-Men veteran plays Edwards’ coach Bronson Peary, who guides the young Brit during his quest to become the first Briton to participate in the ski-jumping category.
As evidenced in the trailer, the overall feel of the movie is far from a terse, straight-faced biopic. This is a comedy through and through, which should please fans of Jackman’s in particular. The actor has displayed hints of his comedic charm in previous outings but never dabbled full-on with his funnyman schtick.
Co-starring Jo Hartley, Tim McInnerny, Keith Allen, Rune Temte, Jim Broadbent and Christopher Walken, Eddie The Eagle is poised to land on February 26, 2016.
Eddie the Eagle follows the realisation of the childhood dream of Michael Edwards (a.k.a Eddie), and his unflinching determination to become Great Britain’s first Olympic ski-jumper. Reluctantly aided by former ski-jumper Bronson Peary as his coach, Eddie is unwavering in his quest to reach the 1988 Calgary Winter Games. Eddie the Eagle is an uplifting, inspirational story that celebrates human spirit, passion, and one man’s refusal to accept defeat.