National Championsis shedding light on the high-stakes intrigue behind the scenes of college football.
He and his teammate’s (Alexander Ludwig) boycott prompts their high-paid head coach (J.K. Simmons) — and others who stand to lose something amid the push for pay — to scramble for a solution.
“I’ve been a die-hard sports fan my entire life,” James, 27, tells PEOPLE.
“A part of me still believes one day I’ll go pro,” he adds, “But the truth is, acting and sports are synonymous. It takes hard work and teamwork with everyone working feverishly towards one goal. I think that’s part of what made this film so special to make.”
Courtesy of STX Films
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PHOTO: Courtesy of STX FilmsPHOTO: Courtesy of STX FilmsPHOTO: Courtesy of STX Films
Aduba, 40, ran track in college, telling PEOPLE earlier this month about herimpactful coaches during her time, husband-and-wife duo named Bruce and Lesley Lehane.
“Even though we were there as athletes, they really put into our spirits how to take the sport and apply it to becoming good, solid humans,” said Aduba.
“They loved their athletes, and not just because they loved the sport. It was bigger than that for them,” the actress added. “They would talk about focusing on your own race and the idea of not concentrating on the distractions in lanes to your left or right. They showed me that you can lead with a nurturing hand and helped me recognize that we’re all part of a larger sum. For the machine to work, respect and care need to be given to all parts, big and small. That is kindness.”
National Championsis in theaters Dec. 10.
source: people.com
