Get ready, Disney fans! A captivating true-life tale is leaping from the pages of a book to the big screen and your living room screens. Vermont author Glenn Stout’s riveting 2009 book “Young Woman in the Sea” has been transformed into a feature film, thanks to the magical touch of Disney. Starring the talented Daisy Ridley — yes, Rey from Star Wars! — this film dives into the awe-inspiring story of Trudy Ederle, who, at the age of 20, became the first woman to swim across the English Channel in 1926. Mark your calendars for May 31st because that’s when this spellbinding journey makes its debut in select theaters and on Disney’s streaming platform.
Trudy Ederle’s story is not just about swimming; it’s a saga of overcoming enormous odds. Born to German immigrants in New York City, Trudy was partially deaf from a young age due to measles. Finding comfort in the water, she remarkably became one of the greatest swimmers of her time. Trudy did more than just break records; she smashed them, beating the existing men’s record for the Channel swim by a phenomenal two hours! Imagine that kind of grit, especially during an era when women were hardly encouraged to pursue athletics.
The film, helmed by the iconic producer Jerry Bruckheimer, is expected to be a visual treat that stays true to Trudy’s character and journey. The attention to historical details in the film, from her pioneering use of the freestyle stroke to her emotional bond with her family, promises a rich and authentic experience. Interestingly, Daisy Ridley underwent three months of rigorous training with a former Olympic swimmer to portray Ederle’s intense physical and mental endurance accurately. Her dedication, coupled with real water sequences filmed in Bulgaria’s Black Sea, ensures this film will be a realistic as well as inspirational depiction of Trudy’s feat.
Stout’s journey as the author of this captivating narrative has been nothing short of cinematic itself. He recalls first stumbling upon Ederle’s name back in 2001 and being struck by how this extraordinary woman’s story had faded from mainstream memory. His meticulous research and passion resulted in a book that finally saw the light of cinematic adaptations after nine long years and two studio changes. The perseverance reflects Trudy’s own relentless spirit, adding another layer of depth to this remarkable story.
The film is already making waves, scoring exceptionally well in test audiences, leading to a limited theatrical release. And here’s a cool tidbit: Producer Bruckheimer remarked that it scored better than any of his previous movies! This is not just a movie for history buffs or sports enthusiasts; it’s genuinely a family-friendly film that promises to inspire viewers of all ages about the power of determination and breaking boundaries.
So, Disney fans, what do you think about this thrilling adaptation? Are you excited to see Daisy Ridley take on such a monumental role? Share your thoughts in the comments and don’t forget to spread the word about this inspiring tale! Let’s dive into Trudy Ederle’s world together and celebrate an incredible woman’s remarkable achievement.
For more details and updates, you can check out the original story [here](https://www.vermontpublic.org/show/vermont-edition/2024-05-23/new-disney-movie-is-based-on-a-book-by-vermont-author-glenn-stout). All credits to Mikaela Lefrak and Andrea Laurion for the insightful interview and coverage.
