David De Lautour and former All Black Stephen Donald.
David De Lautour and former All Black Stephen Donald.
Many young Kiwis dream of growing up and becoming an All Black, and for a handful of New Zealand actors, that dream is now almost a reality.
New Zealand-born actor David de Lautour has been cast to play Rugby World Cup hero Stephen Donald in the upcoming drama The Kick,leading the local cast of fictional All Blacks.
Dan Carter is to be played on screen by Josh McKenzie.
The Los Angeles-based actor, whose credits include Once Upon A Time and Hart of Dixie, will spearhead the production, which follows Donald's life, rugby career and his famous kick that led to the team winning the World Cup in 2011.
Sonny Bill Williams will be played by Xavier Horan.
Joining him will be Tim Foley (Nothing Trivial, Blue Rose), who will play as Richie McCaw, Tim Gordon (District 9, Home By Christmas) as All Blacks coach Graham Henry, Josh McKenzie (Shortland Street, Go Girls) as Dan Carter, and Xavier Horan (Shortland Street) as Sonny Bill Williams.
The Kick looks at events through the eyes of Stephen Donald, who missed out on selection for the Rugby World Cup squad and went white baiting with his best mate instead, only to get a call at the eleventh hour.
Production starts on March 9, but no screening date has been confirmed.
All Blacks coach Graham Henry is to be played by Tim Gordon.
Full cast of The Kick: Stephen Donald - David de Lautour Richie McCaw - Tim Foley Graham Henry - Tim Gordon Dan Carter - Josh McKenzie Sonny Bill Williams - Xavier Horan Steve Hansen - Geoff Dolan Piri Weepu - Troy Kingi Richard Kahui - Clinton Randell Mils Muliaina - Joe Naufahu Ma'a Nonu - Matt Renata Wayne Smith - Eryn Wilson Ian Foster - Ross Anderson Jimmy Cowan - Luke Thompson Andrew Hore - Jonathan Hodge Ali Williams - Aaron Cortesi Jerome Kaino - TK Tuhaka Kieran Read - Aaron Jackson Colin Slade - Kirk Bremner Aaron Cruden - Jordan Selwyn Conrad Smith - Harry Summerfield Andy Ellis - Dean Curtis Brad Thorn - Brad Johnson
