- Details
- By Levi Rickert
HOLLYWOOD - The Hollywood Reporter is reporting Alaska Native actor Martin Sensmeier will play legendary Jim Thorpe in a new movie that will be produced by Angelina Jolie. The new movie is called "Bright Path: The Jim Thorpe Story."
Sensmeier, 32, was previously in "Wind River," "The Magnificent Seven" and "Westworld." Sensmeier (Athabaskan-Tlingit) is an ambassador for the Boys & Girls Club of America, based in Atlanta, Georgia.
Thorpe (Sac and Fox/Potawatomi) won two Olympic gold medals in the decathlon and the pentathlon in 1912. Thorpe went on to play Major League Baseball, professional football and eventually founded the organization that became the NFL. He has been dubbed the "greatest athlete who ever lived"
The filmmakers of "Bright Path: The Jim Thorpe Story" have teamed with several tribes, including the Tuolumne Band of Mewuk Indians, the Mohegan Tribe, the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation, the Tonto Apache Tribe and the Bear River Band of the Rohnerville Rancheria.
Jim Thorpe has been called "World's Greatest Athlete"
The involvement of the tribes from Indian Country includes financing and accuracy in the story.
“As Native Americans it is crucial that we tell our own stories. Thorpe's is a vital one, and Bright Path will break barriers. For the first time, a major motion picture about a Native man, starring a Native man, will be made and released to a broad general audience. We couldn’t be prouder to be a part of it," says Mohegan chairman Kevin Brown (“Red Eagle”).
Thorpe's story was told in 1951's "Jim Thorpe: All American," which starred Burt Lancaster.
CLICK to read "Hollywood Reporter" story.
More Stories Like This
Native News Weekly (August 25, 2024): D.C. BriefsNative News Weekly (August 4, 2024): D.C. Briefs
NDN Collective Names Former Interior Department Official As President
Shadiin Garcia Named Executive Director of Native Women Lead
Trump Brings “Removal” President Andrew Jackson Back to the Oval Office
Can we take a minute to talk about tribal sovereignty?
Our mission draws from the warrior spirit that has sustained Indigenous peoples for generations — the same spirit that drives us to stand guard over tribal rights through relentless investigation and fearless reporting.
Sovereignty isn't just a concept – it's the foundation of Native nations' right to govern, protect our lands, and preserve our cultures. Every story we publish strengthens tribal sovereignty.
Unlike mainstream media, we center Indigenous voices and report directly from Native communities. When we cover land rights, water protection, or tribal governance, we're not just sharing news – we're documenting our living history and defending our future.
Our journalism is powered by readers, not shareholders. If you believe in the importance of Native-led media in protecting tribal sovereignty, consider supporting our work today.
