We must admit that we’re a little surprised to see 2011’s tear-jerking true-life Dolphin Tale spawning a sequel. But given that it made more than $91 million from a $37 million budget, it’s easy to understand. And who doesn’t love a bit of heart-warming sea mammal action? Alcon Entertainment certainly does, setting original director Charles Martin Smith and stars Morgan Freeman, Harry Connick Jr, Ashley Judd and Kris Kristofferson to return.
The first Dolphin Tale chronicled the real-life rescue of Winter (who played herself) and the people who were inspired to help build her a new tail to replace the one she lost to a crab trap. This sequel continues Winter’s story, as she’s recruited by the Navy for a top secret mission, enhanced with cutting-edge cybernetics and becomes the Arnold Schwarzenegger of the sea…
…Okay, not so much. There will be no exciting sea-going battles. Smith has written a script that again scoops from real life, as new dolphin Hope is rescued by the same facility – Florida’s Clearwater Marine Aquarium – and nursed back to health. Winter will be back, and Hope is also set to appear as herself. Winter this time will be demanding a gigantic, water-filled trailer and all the mackerel she can gobble, provided her assistant has properly cleaned it first...
Charles Martin Smith is set to kick off shooting in October, so expect Dolphin Tale 2 to hit next year.