When was the film released?
We Are Marshall premiered nationwide on December 22, 2006.
Who starred in the film?
- Matthew McConaughey as Coach Jack Lengyel
- Matthew Fox as Assistant Coach Red Dawson
- Anthony Mackie as Nate Ruffin
- Kate Mara as Annie Cantrell
- January Jones as Carol Dawson
- Ian McShane as Paul Griffen
- David Strathairn as President Donald Dedmon
Who was the director?
The film was directed by McG.
Who was the producer?
Basil Iwanyk served as the producer of We Are Marshall.
Was Marshall University involved in the creation of the film?
Marshall University is committed to an accurate portrayal of the events associated with this tragedy. The university worked diligently with Warner Bros. to fulfill this commitment. Consultants, historians, archivists and other professionals provided guidance to the film company on this project. While a certain level of literary license was exercised, we believe Warner Bros. remained true to the story.
Did Marshall have any control over the final cut of the film?
Although Marshall University was involved throughout the film’s development, the final cuts of the motion picture were the prerogative of Warner Bros.
Why was the film done in 2006, more than 35 years after the tragity?
This is a question that was posed to Warner Bros. and its production company, Thunder Road Pictures. Mary Viola, associate producer, answered in this way:
“Rarely does a story move us to be better people, stronger people. What the town of Huntington did following the 1970 plane crash is one of these inspirational stories. I read about the tragedy a few years ago and felt compelled to tell the rest of the world what this small community had accomplished.”
What was the involvement of the W.Va. Film Office in this production?
The West Virginia Film Office provided extensive logistical support to the production company and advice to Marshall University.
What was the involvement of the W.Va. Governor in this production?
Governor Joe Manchin III was instrumental in negotiations with the highest levels at Warner Bros. His leadership provided the avenue by which three weeks of shooting could take place in West Virginia.
Why was Atlanta selected as the other filming location?
Warner Bros. has extensive property in Atlanta and took advantage of sound studios and other existing resources in the city.
Could this movie have been made without Marshall’s permission?
This chapter in the university’s history is documented fact. Film companies would not have had to include the university in its planning. Marshall University was pleased with the approach by Warner Bros. in bringing the university into the process.
Marshall University has been approached many times over the years concerning the production of a film about the 1970 tragedy and recovery. Typically, such proposals were declined due to concerns about the quality of production and accuracy of the story being told. During the summer of 2005, Warner Bros. approached the university with a quality script idea and the resources to produce a worthy film.
