Brandon Routh, best known for portraying Superman in the movie Superman returnsjoin the cast of the independent family drama Ethan Almighty – Ethan’s Law.
Sean Patrick Flanery, Selma Blair, and Trevor Donovan are already on the roster for the feature, which is set to debut in Kentucky starting in late April. Tani McClure is also directing and producing the piece through McClure Films, along with producer Michelle Alexandria of Light Year Pictures.
The project tells the true story of Ethan, a dog who was left to die under a pile of blankets and was nursed back to life by Jeff Callaway, one of those who found him, and by veterinarians at the Kentucky Humane Society. Callaway bonded with the dog and eventually adopted him.
Then, buoyed by Ethan’s story, Callaway began a movement that culminated in the creation of Ethan’s Law, landmark legislation that redefined animal welfare in Kentucky. Producers said the story will celebrate resilience, compassion and the transformative power of kindness.
Flannery plays Callaway.
Roth will play Greg Carlson, a veteran police officer distinguished by his calm authority and deep sense of justice. According to the producers, the character anchors the film’s emotional and moral stakes.
“Brandon brings a grounded strength and authenticity that aligns beautifully with the heart of the story,” McClure said in a statement. “His ability to connect with the role with complete honesty and emotional depth is admirable.”
Producer Alexandria said, “Brandon is an actor that audiences trust. He has this strength coupled with this warmth that elevates the emotional core of the film.”
Executive producing is Michael Olsen (Motion Media Group), Todd Slater (Convoc Media), Stephanie Garvin and Lisanne Canty (Hollywood Expansion Corporation).
Filming is scheduled to take place in Bardstown, Kentucky, and in Frankfort at the Kentucky State Capitol, where elements of the story take place.
Routh famously and fondly played Clark Kent/Superman in the 2006 comic book film Superman returns. He cemented his nerdy cred with a scene-stealing role in Scott Pilgrim vs. the world He then played the hero Ray Palmer in the long-running CW show DC’s Legends of Tomorrow. He is also one of the voice actors for the upcoming Netflix series Magic: Gathering Animation series.
Ruth is repped by Innovative Artists and Main Title Entertainment’s Stuart Strunk.
