Gerard Butler Goes Surfing In "Mavericks"

Maybe I'm wrong about this, but I've always thought that Curtis Hanson was one of Hollywood's most underrated directors. Hanson won an Oscar for his writing-work on "L.A. Confidential," which is easily one of Hollywood's best films in the past 20 years, and he has directed some excellent films in the past including "Wonder Boys," "8 Mile" and "The River Wild."

Hanson doesn’t work all that often (he hasn't directed a feature film since 2007's "I'm Lucky"), so whenever he does direct something, it has my attention. His next project is a surfing film that sounds quite interesting, and it also has just added a leading man.

According to Deadline, Gerard Butler ("300") is set to play Rick "Frosty" Hesson in Hanson's upcoming surfing feature "Mavericks" for Walden Media.

The fact-based story follows the late Jay Moriarity and his quest to ride the iconic Northern California break known as Mavericks, where winter swells bring in treacherous waves the size of five-story buildings. Moriarity trained for over a year under Hesson, a friendship that transformed both their lives. Moriarity, who died in 2001 in a diving accident in the Maldives, remains an inspiration to surfers around the globe.

While Butler has lent his talents to a bunch of awful romantic comedies, his work in "300" and "RocknRolla" was solid and this could be a good chance for him to show off his dramatic talents. Hanson recently directed the HBO financial crisis drama "Too Big To Fail" and should be very enthusiastic about his first feature since 2007.

Hanson's work on "L.A. Confidential" truly was something great and I think this film could be a surprise hit.

Shooting is expected to kick off in October.

Gerard Butler Kicks Some Balls in the Upcoming Movie, "Slide"

Scottish hunk Gerard Butler ("300," "The Bounty Hunter") is in talks to star in the sports film "Slide" for Evil Twins, says The L.A. Times.

The movie is a character comedy that centers on a troubled father trying to make up for lost time by coaching his son's team -- but who finds himself in hot water after some of the local mothers take a little too much of a shine to him.

The project, originally titled "Confessions of a Little League Coach," is now ditching the baseball angle in favor of soccer. Gabriele Muccino ("The Pursuit of Happyness") has been interested in directing.

Butler has no preferred baseball club, but is reputed to be a supporter of Glaswegian football team Celtic, which would make the soccer theme a little more resonant than a baseball one.

Robbie Fox ("So I Married an Ax Murderer") penned the screenplay, while Kevin Misher and Jonathan Mostow will produce.

Butler has shown a range of talent over the past few years, working in action, drama, comedy and romantic films. Although I am more of a baseball fan, I think the switch in sports here is a great idea. Soccer fits in much better withy the story, considering the mothers will play a big part in it.

Look for filming to begin later this year.