George Clooney takes a chance on transforming actors into rowers for “The Boys in the Boat”

In his latest film, “The Boys in the Boat,” George Clooney took a gamble on a group of actors, shaping them into convincing professional rowers to portray the inspiring true story of the 1936 University of Washington rowing team. The sports drama, directed by Clooney and based on Daniel James Brown’s best-selling non-fiction novel, follows the team’s journey from inexperienced underdogs to Olympic contenders. Clooney, who prioritized authenticity, revealed that the cast underwent rigorous training for about three months under the guidance of former Team GB Olympic rowing coach Terry O’Neill. The film, set against the backdrop of the Great Depression, aims to deliver an uplifting narrative and is slated for a global release in January following its US and Canada premiere on December 25.