First trailer for Chasing Mavericks starring Gerard Butler surfs to the net

If there’s been a void of surfing movies missing in your life we have the first trailer for CHASING MAVERICKS, the true story of surfing legend Jay Moriarty.  The pic stars Gerard Butler as Frosty Hesson, who serves as a mentor to the young Moriarty, played by Jonny Weston, and focuses on the boy’s desire to surf the massive waves at Mavericks, a legendary surf spot in Northern California. 

The film co-stars Abigail Spencer, Elizabeth Shue, Leven Rambin, and Scott Eastwood.  It’s directed by Curtis Hanson of L.A. CONFIDENTIAL and 8 MILE fame, which is even more surprising as this looks like it could’ve been directed by anyone.

Catch the wave:

This looks decent, by the numbers, and safe, which is surprising given that it’s a biographical tale.  Moriarty is well-known in the surfing community and chased his dream of riding Maverick waves all his life, so perhaps his inspirational tale will find a niche with moviegoers.  I like Gerard Butler, but usually when he’s wielding a gun or curb stomping bad guys, although I’m sure he’ll do just fine as a surfing guru.

CHASING MAVERICKS opens on October 26, 2012.

Below is one of Jay Moriarty’s famed real life wipe-outs at Mavericks