Actress Maria Bello is the latest addition to the cast of “Max Steel,” a feature film currently filming in Wilmington.
Entertainment trade Variety reports Bello, whose credits include “A History of Violence” and TV series “Touch” and “Prime Suspect,” will play the mother of Max McGrath, played by Ben Winchell (Disney’s “A.N.T. Farm,” “Necessary Roughness”).
Also cast in the film are Ana Villafañe (“Hiding,” “Los Americans”) and Academy Award nominee Andy Garcia, who was in Wilmington last year for the Hallmark Hall of Fame movie “Christmas in Conway.”
Related story: Andy Garcia to return to Wilmington for role in ‘Max Steel’
Based on the Mattel action figure line, “Max Steel” tells the story of 16-year-old Max McGrath and alien companion Steel, who harness and combine powers to evolve into superhero Max Steel, according to a release. Described as an origins story, the film is directed by Stewart Hendler (“Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn,” “H+”) and written by Marvel Studios vet Christopher Yost (“Thor: The Dark World”).
Filming started two weeks ago in downtown Wilmington and is slated to continue at the old Ideal Cement Plant near Castle Hayne, which is serving as a primary set. Other locations to be featured in the film include Hoggard High School and Live Oak Bank.
Produced by Dolphin Films and Mattel, “Max Steel” is scheduled for domestic release in 2015.
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