The Dishing Diva

The story of American surfer Bethany Hamilton, who survived a horrifying shark attack, will be told on the big screen – with the help of some famously named stars.

Hamilton will be played by AnnaSophia Robb, while her best friend, Alana Blanchard, will be played by Jack Nicholson’s daughter, Lorraine. Sean Brosnan, son of Pierce, will play Hamilton’s brother, Noah.

Hamilton, 19, was just 13 when a shark tore off her left arm just below her shoulder. She was with Blanchard when the accident occurred, on October 21, 2003.

Hamilton, who was in Sydney for a tournament, said of Robb: “She’s super-cool. A great girl. We’ve met in Hawaii and hung out.”

Hamilton said she would be doing most of the surfing in the film, which is scheduled to start production at the end of the month.

When scenes requiring a one-armed stunt woman were required, Hamilton offered to step in. She explained: “They wanted a one-armed person doing it and that’s not easy to find.”

Hamilton was competing in the Billabong world junior surfing championships at a Sydney northern beach. She added: “I am excited about the role. But it will be intense seeing people playing my family and me.”