WASHINGTON D.C. — Actress Angelina Jolie will produce an upcoming biopic, titled ‘Bright Path: The Jim Thorpe Story’, on the life of Native American athlete, Jim Thorpe.
The film will feature actor Martin Sensmeier in the lead role, reports Variety.
In 1912, Thorpe won two Olympic gold medals representing the United States while his citizenship went unrecognized during a period of cultural genocide for Native Americans.
He went on to play Major League Baseball, professional football and eventually founded the organization that became the NFL.
“I’m honored to be working on this project. I have had the privilege of spending time with Bill Thorpe, and will be listening to and guided by the Tribes and the Thorpe family in the making of this film,” Jolie said.
The producers have garnered significant support from Indian Country – including the Tuolumne Band of Mewuk Indians, the Mohegan Tribe, the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation, the Tonto Apache Tribe and The Bear River Band of the Rohnerville Rancheria – to participate in financing the film.
