'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
BREAKING | 2 children dead, 6 injured after city bus crashes into daycare in Montreal suburb Laval, driver arrested
Two children are dead and six others are injured after a Laval city bus crashed into a daycare Wednesday morning. The driver of the bus, a 51-year-old man, has been arrested and faces charges of homicide and dangerous driving, police say.

Bank of Canada releases details on interest rate decision for the first time
The Bank of Canada released a summary of its Governing Council meetings on Wednesday, providing the public and financial institutions with more insight into the central bank’s decision to raise its key interest rate on Jan. 25.
DEVELOPING | Netflix Canada begins password sharing crackdown
Netflix Canada says it will begin notifying subscribers Wednesday about new limitations around password sharing outside their households.
Awkward moment or conscious message? Political experts weigh in on Danielle Smith-Justin Trudeau handshake
An 'awkward' attempt at a handshake between Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and the prime minister Tuesday is another example of leaders from the western province hesitating before shaking Justin Trudeau's hand, say political experts.
How much Canadians have fallen behind amid high inflation and who's hurting the most
Inflation has eroded purchasing power for many Canadians, but the experience with rapidly rising prices has been far from uniform.
Mama's boys: Killer whale mothers sacrifice for sons into their adulthood, new study shows
The sacrifices female killer whales continue to make for their sons well after they are weaned is negatively affecting their reproductive health, according to new scientific research.
Turkiye-Syria earthquake: How to give to rescue and recovery efforts
In the aftermath of the deadly earthquake that struck Syria and Turkiye, Canadians are donating money and supplies to rescue and relief efforts there. CTVNews.ca rounds up ways you can contribute to charities based in Canada and abroad.
'Crypto king' associate operated parallel Ponzi scheme while living lavish lifestyle, court documents allege
An associate of Ontario’s self-described “crypto king” was operating his own fraud scam parallel to the multi-million dollar Ponzi scheme, court documents allege.
opinion | Before you do your taxes, take note of these tax credits and deductions you may not have known about
Many Canadians are experiencing strains caused by the increased cost of living and inflation. In his exclusive column for CTVNews.ca, contributor Christopher Liew shares some of the top credits and deductions that you may be able to claim on your income tax return to help you save money.