Donald’s heroics movie material
The moment that had a nation holding its breath is set for the small screen, with a television movie based on Stephen Donald’s World Cup-clinching kick approved for NZ On Air funding.
It was revealed in February that NZ On Air was considering funding the project being produced by Great Southern Television.
Former Chiefs and Waikato first-five Donald became a cult figure in New Zealand after he was called up to the All Blacks as the fourth-string No 10 for the World Cup final.
Donald came on in the final for an injured Aaron Cruden and the man in the ill-fitting jersey nailed a penalty to see the All Blacks home 8-7 over France.
NZ On Air has put up $2.7 million for The Kick, which will be broadcast on TV One in the Sunday Theatre slot.
‘‘The kick is really just part of the story – it’s a much bigger story. It’s a story of how we examine sportsmen,’’ producer Philip Smith said.
‘‘It’s a story about how a man found himself very much offside with a nation, how we turned on someone very much in the tall-poppy-syndrome manner and how he redeemed himself.’’
Donald had earlier said he was surprised that a movie on him had even been proposed.
‘‘It’s a little bit bizarre,’’ he said. ‘‘At the start I thought it was a bit outrageous but I guess it’s easier to do that than
Stephen Donald knocks over the crucial penalty during the 2011 World Cup final against France. Photo: Fiona Goodall/Fairfax NZ a book. I guess it’s something I’ll always be able to have.’’
The movie is due to start production this year and be completed by mid-2014. There is no word on who will be cast to play Donald.