Kiwi actor Elliot Lawless at the Bridge to Terabithia premiere.
Kiwi actor Elliot Lawless at the Bridge to Terabithia premiere.
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Disney film Bridge to Terabithia made waves at the Hollywood box office this weekend, thrusting New Zealand and four young actors into the spotlight.
Based on the 70s' award-winning novel by Katherine Paterson, Bridge to Terabithia took in a massive $41 million at the US box office thisweekend, coming second only to Ghost Rider, starring Nicolas Cage, and ahead of Norbit and Music & Lyrics.
The film, which will premiere in New Zealand in June, was shot in Auckland last year and showcases the talent of four up-and-coming Kiwi actors.
Elliot Lawless, Carly Owen, Isabelle-Rose Kircher and Cameron Wakefield all star in the film, made by the producers of The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.
Acting coach Miranda Harcourt worked with the children on set and said all four had promising screen careers.
"They share the same commitment and dedication to their film careers as someone like Martin Henderson," said Ms Harcourt.
"They're not just in it for the glamour. They're very emotionally mature and courageous."
13-year-old Elliot Lawless, who plays the lead character's school friend Gary Fulcher, said he was surprised and excited by the film's success.
"When I went to audition audition for the part, I didn't think it would be a big time movie," said the Auckland Grammar student.
Lawless recently returned from Los Angeles where he attended the film's Hollywood premiere.
"Going to America and seeing the finished film was probably the best part of the experience... walking the red carpet, talking to the paparazzi and then going to the post-premiere party was amazing."
The budding actor, who has more than 30 acting credits to his name to date, will also star in the upcoming film adaptation of Dick King-Smith's novel The Water Horse, which is due for release later this year.
