'He's a good actor': Winnipegger set to appear in locally shot Woody Harrelson movie recounts on-set memories
A Winnipegger soon to appear with Woody Harrelson in an upcoming movie is looking forward to his silver screen debut, after the film’s trailer premiered this week.
Cole Guderyan heard about the opportunity to be cast in the Winnipeg-shot film through St. Amant, a non-profit organization that works with Manitobans who live with developmental disabilities and autism.
The movie, called “Champions,” is billed as a heartwarming tale about a basketball team training and competing in the Special Olympics under the guidance of an imperfect but dedicated coach, played by Harrelson.
Last September, St. Amant helped put out the casting call for the film, seeking people 16 years and up who live with developmental disabilities and autism.
Guderyan, who has autism, has been accessing services through St. Amant for a few years now, and jumped at the chance to be in a movie.
“I do like acting. I find it fun and interesting,” he said in an interview with CTV News.
Guderyan, who appears as an extra in the film, said he spent a few days on set. He said the shoot involved a lot of waiting around in between takes, but it paid well.
“I’m supposed to play maybe at least two or three scenes in the movie, where I play as one of the basketball players,” he said.
Guderyan even got some face time with Harrelson in between shooting. During a break, he went for a walk and ran into the veteran actor on the street.
Cole Guderyan said he spent a few days on the Winnipeg set of the upcoming Woody Harrelson movie "Champions". He even had a chance encounter with the movie star in between scenes.
“His security didn’t take me as a threat, and that’s when I introduced myself, and he introduced himself. We even shook hands,” he recalled.
The two talked about Harrelson’s lengthy career, which includes appearances in “Cheers,” “The Hunger Games” franchise and “The People vs. Larry Flynt".
Guderyan counts his meeting with Harrelson as the highlight of the shoot.
“He’s a good actor,” he said.
A trailer for the film was released Monday, and racked up 3.3 million views on YouTube as of Wednesday afternoon.
It will be released in theatres on March 24th.
As for Guderyan, he’s looking forward to seeing himself on the big screen.
He also doesn’t rule out more acting work in the future.
“I hope they make a Champions 2,” he said.
- With files from CTV's Jon Hendricks
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW From yearning for a change to cost of living, why some Canadians have left or may leave the country
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
NEW Capital gains tax change 'shortsighted' and 'sows division' business groups tell Freeland
Forging ahead with increasing Canada's capital gains inclusion rate 'sows division,' and is a 'shortsighted' way to improve the deficit, business groups are warning Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.
Ontario man frustrated after $3,500 paving job leaves driveway in shambles
An Ontario man considering having his driveway paved received a quote from a company for $7,000, but then, another paver in the neighbourhood knocked on his door and offered half that rate.
Defence attacks Stormy Daniels' credibility as she returns to the stand in Trump's hush money trial
Stormy Daniels will return to the witness stand Thursday in Donald Trump's hush money trial as the defence tries to undermine the credibility of the porn actor's salacious testimony about their alleged sexual encounter and the money she was paid to keep quiet.
With contactless screening tech, this Toronto startup hopes to catch breast cancer early — and save lives
Amid evidence of rising breast cancer rates among young women in Canada, one Toronto startup is offering a contactless and radiation-free device that can help doctors identify suspicious changes in breast tissue. The company, Linda Lifetech, says this can lead to earlier detection of breast cancer.
Tornadoes tear through southeastern U.S. as storms leave 3 dead
Forecasters warned a wave of dangerous storms in the U.S. could wash over parts of the South early Thursday, a day after severe weather with damaging tornadoes and large hail killed at least three people in the region.
Police handcuff man trying to enter Drake's Toronto mansion
Toronto police say a man was taken into custody outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion Wednesday afternoon after he tried to gain access to the residence.
What is whooping cough and should Canadians be concerned as Europe declares outbreak?
There is currently a whooping cough epidemic in Europe, with 10 times as many cases compared to the previous two years. While an outbreak has not been declared nationwide in Canada, whooping cough is regularly detected in the country.