Bethany Hamilton Dolphin Tale 2 Interview

Dec 03, 2014

You may know Professional surfer Bethany Hamilton from her inspiring life story - surviving a shark attack, losing her arm, and making it back to being a professional surfer - the biographical movie Soul Surfer starring AnnaSophia Robb is based on her true story! Now she's back on the board and onscreen in Dolphin Tale 2, but this time it's the true story of Winter, a rescued dolphin living with a prosthetic tail - how cool is that? Find out more in Kidzworld's Bethany Hamilton Dolphin Tale 2 Interview!

Bethany Hamilton in Dolphin Tale 2Courtesy of Warner Bros.

Kidzworld: How did you get involved with Dolphin Tale 2, what's the story behind it?

Bethany: The producer or someone reached out to my agent and they thought that our stories aligned well and I had actually seen Dolphin Tale 1 and I thought it was such a cute film, so when they asked me to be a part of the film I got really excited cause I really love ocean animals and dolphins, and I said "yeah I'd love to be a part of it." Sharing Winter's story and the community around her - yeah!

Kidzworld: What did you like most about the story when you first read the script?

Bethany: I guess what I like about the whole story is the kind of the teamwork and community of the people who are passionate about ocean animals and rescue and release, and then like Winter's story of course, the fact that she can live without her tail, it's amazing, and I really appreciate Winter and the community around her.

Bethany Hamilton lost her arm to a shark attack - but got back on the boardCourtesy of Warner Bros.

Kidzworld: By doing a film like this do you consider yourself a role model for younger people who want to get involved with working with marine life?

Bethany: Yeah! I definitely look forward to encouraging or bringing awareness to this area for people who have seen the film, and I have a lot of young kids who admire my story that would be excited to see the story of Winter, and so I want to encourage kids to pursue their passion and how they can overcome obstacles.

Kidzworld: So there is another movie based on your life story, Soul Surfer, and you performed the stunts but were portrayed by AnnaSophia Robb - was it weird playing yourself in this movie?

Bethany: Acting definitely is not my forte, but it's kind of fun. After being on the set of Soul Surfer, which was a really fun set, everything on Winter's tale was very similar, very light hearted and very positive. The all just said "be yourself" and "have fun" on set. Being able to get in the water with Winter too - we had a lot of fun, I kind of felt at home in the water with her.

Bethany with AnnaSophia Robb

Kidzworld: Do you think they would do another film if they asked you?

Bethany: If it had a really positive story, or if it was similar to what I've been a part of - otherwise I think I'll stick to surfing and public speaking, and encouraging people out there - I'm not interested in acting!

Kidzworld: What was the most fun part of filming?

Bethany: Definitely swimming with Winter! It was so cool to interact with a dolphin. One little thing I learned about dolphins is that when they're happy their tummies turn pink! I think they're really special creatures.

Bethany's favorite part of filming? Swimming with dolphins of course!Courtesy of Warner Bros.

Kidzworld: Were you excited to meet any of the other actors on the film?

Bethany: I was excited Morgan Freeman was part of the film, and when I met him he was pretty cool, so that was kind of my one starstruck moment. The whole cast was really sweet and fun to be around.