Heart of Champions


Heart of Champions is a 2021 American sports drama film directed by Michael Mailer, from a screenplay by Vojin Gjaja. It stars Michael Shannon, Alexander Ludwig, Charles Melton, David James Elliott and Ash Santos.
The film was released on October 29, 2021 by Vertical Entertainment. The film follows the rowing team of a fictional Ivy League university as they aim to win the national championship under the tutelage of a new coach, a Vietnam veteran.

Cast

In May 2019, it was announced Michael Shannon had joined the cast of the film, with Howard Deutch directing from a screenplay by Vojin Gjaja, Shannon will also serve as a producer on the film. In October 2019, Alexander Ludwig and Charles Melton joined the cast of the film, with Michael Mailer replacing Deutch as director. In November 2019, David James Elliott joined the cast of the film.
Principal photography began in Louisiana on November 2, 2019, and concluded on December 3, 2019. Louisiana State University served as a main set for the film.

Release

The film was released in select theatres on October 29, 2021 under a deal with Vertical Entertainment. It also became available on VOD services on November 19, 2021.

Critical reception