Wilem Dafoe will star as sled dog driver Leonhard Seppala in Disney live-action movie Togo, according to a report in Variety. The story is based on the true life events surrounding the 1925 Nome Serum Run in Alaska.
What’s happening:
- Disney is reportedly developing a live-action film called Togo for its upcoming streaming service.
- Willem Dafoe will star in movies as sled dog driver Leonhard Seppala.
- The film will be directed by Ericson Core who’s credits include Invincible and the Point Break remake.
- Tom Flynn wrote the script which is being produced by Kim Zubick.
- Jessica Virtue and Louie Provost are overseeing Togo.
- According to Variety, “the story will focus on the unlikely friendship between man and dog. Togo was an unruly and undersized puppy but showed great leadership qualities and became the lead dog at age five.”
About the Nome Serum Run:
- In 1925 the city of Nome, Alaska was experiencing an outbreak of diphtheria and was in desperate need of serum to prevent a full on epidemic. Sled drivers and their dogs raced nearly 700 miles in freezing temperatures and harsh weather conditions to deliver the life saving serum. Many people are familiar with the story of Gunnar Kassen and his lead dog Balto who ran the final leg of the race and succeeded in bringing the medicine to Nome. Togo and Seppala ran the second to last leg of the journey—also the longest—and faced some of the greatest challenges including gale force winds and temperatures 30° below zero.
Disney Streaming Service:
- Disney’s direct to consumer streaming service is scheduled to launch in 2019. Disney will offer existing content from across all of their properties as well as develop exclusive new programs, shows, and movies.