Two-time Golden Globe nominee Maria Bello has joined the cast “Max Steel,” based on the popular superhero property from Mattel, which is producing with Dolphin Films. Open Road will release the film in theaters in 2015.
Stewart Hendler (“Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn”) is directing from a script by Christopher Yost (“Thor: The Dark World”). Julia Pistor is producing for Mattel’s Playground Productions.
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“Max Steel” is an origin story that will chronicle the adventures of 16-year old Max McGrath and alien companion Steel, who must harness and combine their tremendous new powers to evolve into the turbo-charged superhero Max Steel. As these two unlikely friends struggle to accept their oddly connected fates, they begin to uncover unimaginable secrets, working together to find the truth, and fighting the mysterious forces threatening their world.
Ben Winchell (Disney’s “A.N.T. Farm” ) stars as Max, while Bello will play his resilient single mother, Molly McGrath.
The film co-stars Ana Villafañe as Sofia Martinez and Andy Garcia as brilliant and mysterious scientist Dr. Miles Edwards.
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“Max Steel” is currently shooting in Wilmington, North Carolina. The film will be handled internationally by Dolphin Films International in partnership with IM Global.
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“Maria Bello is a critically acclaimed actress who immediately grounds her role and elevates our film,” said Dolphin Films CEO Bill O’Dowd. “She brings the perfect blend of compassion, strength and intrigue to the Molly McGrath character, who is absolutely essential in the ‘Max Steel’ mythology. Together with Andy Garcia and the talented young performers Ben Winchell and Ana Villafañe, we couldn’t be more excited that Maria will help bring this amazing new superhero property to life on the big screen.”
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“Welcoming Maria Bello to our cast brings a new dimension of talent that will complement the depth and feel of the Max Steel story,” added Pistor, producer. “Production is well underway and we are tremendously excited to bring the cast together to create an emotionally charged, action packed performance that will excite audiences around the world.”
Bello, who recently starred opposite Hugh Jackman in “Prisoners,” will soon be seen alongside Kevin Costner in Disney’s sports movie “McFarland.” She received Golden Globe nominations for her work in “The Cooler” and “A History of Violence.”