Millie Bobby Brown is set to take on an iconic Olympic role, as she enters final negotiations to portray gold medalist Kerri Strug in the film “Perfect”. Slated to be directed by Gia Coppola, with a script by Ronnie Sandahl, the film will have 30WEST as executive producers. Although the deal is not yet finalized, there are indications it might reach Netflix, with filming anticipated to begin in the spring.
Kerri Strug’s inspiring story stems from her remarkable performance at the 1996 Summer Olympics when she was part of the celebrated Magnificent Seven USA gymnastics team. In a moment that exemplified determination, Strug performed a critical vault despite injuring her ankle on a previous attempt, securing a score of 9.712. Her courageous act was pivotal in the team’s victory, although the U.S. might have clinched the gold even without her final vault. Nonetheless, Strug’s resolve and bravery became a defining moment celebrated across the globe.
The film “Perfect” has been in development discussions since 2020, with Olivia Wilde initially attached as director. Wilde praised Sandahl’s script at that time, calling it the best she had ever read. Kerri Strug has yet to publicly comment on Brown starring as her in this new cinematic endeavor.
Strug, a veteran of the 1992 Barcelona Games where she earned a team bronze, retired from gymnastics following her historic performance in 1996. Post-retirement, she pursued education, graduating from college and later teaching before serving in the U.S. Justice Department’s Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention.
Reflecting on her crucial 1996 Olympic vault, Strug expressed pride in her perseverance and achievement. However, her story has also sparked debate over the pressures placed on young athletes. Prominent gymnast Simone Biles and Strug’s teammate Dominique Dawes have raised questions about the expectations and physical demands placed on young competitors.
This upcoming film promises to bring Strug’s incredible story to a new audience, highlighting the challenges and triumphs behind one of the Olympics’ most memorable moments.