[Update] "Whip It" to be directed by Drew Barrymore

December 11, 2007 - 2:21am

Production Charts and the Hutchinson Leader (MN) note that the upcoming roller derby film Whip It will be directed by Hollywood star Drew Barrymore. Whip It's screenwriter, L.A. Derby Doll Maggie Mayhem (aka Shauna Cross), is also the author of Derby Girl. The Leader article states that it's unclear if the movie is an adaptation of the book or just something similar. This will apparently be the first time directing for Barrymore. That's cool, but who will play K.C. Carr? Note to Barrymore: if it's set in the mid-west, go flat track for extra derby cred. And shoot the big climax bout scene at the Roy Wilkins.

Summary (from the article): "A Midwestern, small-town, teenage girl discovers the high-energy world of roller derby and must decide if she’s willing to go against her parents and friends in order to pursue the sport she loves."

Update: Ms. Mayhem emailed in to clarify things. She writes, "...it is an adaptation of my book, Derby Girl, and takes place in and around austin, tx. not the midwest. not that the midwest isn't cool." So much for the Roy. Ah, they'll probably shoot it in Vancouver anyway!

( )

This is exciting and will be

Submitted by julia ghoulia on December 17, 2007 - 12:58pm.

This is exciting and will be a great promotion for the WFTDA! And who better than Drew Barrymore to put todays Rollerderby on film.

Julia Ghoulia-(Arch Rival Rollergirls) Back from the grave she lives to devour her competitors.

Vancouver

Submitted by ArsonAnnie on December 21, 2007 - 12:57pm.

"Ah, they'll probably shoot it in Vancouver anyway!"
SO TRUE!

Very Cool

Submitted by E Dub on December 29, 2007 - 12:56am.

I hope they film it in Austin. I live here. Drew Barrymore has been seen around town a few times in the past. Besides, Austin has been a hotbed for filming films. Grindhouse, Sin City (Sin City 2 is in production right now in Austin), Dazed & Confused & Spy Kids just to name a few. Besides why not film it where the rebirth of RD started;) I believe this will be Miss Barrymores 2nd time to be a director.

Whip it... Whip it good?

Submitted by ozzy_zion on January 11, 2008 - 10:49am.

I think this is great news for our sport! Drew, if you're reading this, and we all hope you are... please consider keeping this movie authentic and using real roller girls in your film. May I suggest the 2007 WFTDA National Champions? Kansas City Roller Warriors, The Masters of the Universe?

And while she probably will film in Canada, perhaps the weaker American dollar will persuade her to film in the US. Possibly even in KC or Austin... what ever the case may be - this is good for everyone involved in derby!

l'chaim
Ozzy Zion
the Jewish Voice of Reason

Vancouver

Submitted by Pink Steele on January 17, 2008 - 4:28pm.

Hey ladies,
I totally understand your want for Whip it to be filmed in Texas the birth place of derby, but if Drew so happens to film it up here in Canada, we have some pretty kick ass derby chicks up here too!
Pink Steele
Eves of Destruction

Drew love

Submitted by scorpiogrrl78 on March 4, 2008 - 1:42am.

At the beginning of the Interview Magazine article with Ellen Page, Drew Barrymore is named as director of this film, with Page as the star (I assume the K.C. Carr role, haven't read the book yet), and it said shooting begins in Texas this summer. I know cuz I'm planning on stalking the set if at all possible.

I was so excited when I read the article that I couldn't sleep that night. This movie should kick so much ass.

Evilyn A. Heathen # *9*
Meltdown Town Derby Dames
Paducah, KY

Whip It Update

Submitted by rockerboy on May 19, 2008 - 11:30am.

So it appears that Ellen Page (JUNO) has signed on to play the lead and Zoe Bell (stunt actress - GRINDHOUSE) is rumored to have signed on as well. Kristen Smith, who is one half of the "it" writing team Lutz and Smith that have penned such hits as "Legally Blonde" and "10 Things I Hate About You," will produce the film. A $10 million dollar budget is chicken scratch by Hollywood standards and with the Canadian dollar on parity with the American dollar, shooting in the US is once again a cost effective option. Considering Cross is from the LA Derby Dolls, there will no doubt be a slant toward the women of the banked track community. Agreed that a flat track back drop would not only give the film a richly deserved amount of derby cred but it would also give the flat track derby community a much needed shot in the arm to get the leagues out of the skate rinks and into the bigger venues. The rest of us will be dependent on the eyes in Austin to keep us informed of the movement of the film so we can continue to write our speculative opinions on websites like Leadjammer.

Whip It Update

Submitted by rockerboy on May 19, 2008 - 11:33am.

So it appears that Ellen Page (JUNO) has signed on to play the lead and Zoe Bell (stunt actress - GRINDHOUSE) is rumored to have signed on as well. Kristen Smith, who is one half of the "it" writing team Lutz and Smith that have penned such hits as "Legally Blonde" and "10 Things I Hate About You," will produce the film. A $10 million dollar budget is chicken scratch by Hollywood standards and with the Canadian dollar on parity with the American dollar, shooting in the US is once again a cost effective option. Considering Cross is from the LA Derby Dolls, there will no doubt be a slant toward the women of the banked track community. Agreed that a flat track back drop would not only give the film a richly deserved amount of derby cred but it would also give the flat track derby community a much needed shot in the arm to get the leagues out of the skate rinks and into the bigger venues. The rest of us will be dependent on the eyes in Austin to keep us informed of the movement of the film so we can continue to write our speculative opinions on websites like Leadjammer.