Professional Christian athlete and “Soul Surfer” inspiration Bethany Hamilton will join the cast of Alcon Entertainment’s family feature “Dolphin Tale 2,” a true story inspired by the life of Hope, a rescued baby dolphin. Hamilton will join the original film’s returning cast, including Academy Award Winner Morgan Freeman, Academy Award nominee Kris Kristofferson, Emmy nominee Ashley Judd and Harry Connick, Jr., among others.

Hamilton inspired millions through her story of fearlessness and resilience. At age 13, she was bitten by a 14-foot tiger shark while surfing off Kauai’s North Shore, leaving her with a severed left arm. But the incident didn’t stop her. She pushed through her injury and only one month after the attack, returned to the water and continues to surf professionally today. Warner Bros. is set to release “Dolphin Tale 2” September 19, 2014. Hamilton will play herself in the feature.