It’s one thing for Will Ferrell to fake race car driving, but how do you pull off fake bull riding? That’s a dilemma star Scott Eastwood faced as Hollywood brought novelist Nicholas Sparks‘ fun bull riding romance, The Longest Ride, to life on the silver screen. The producers and Eastwood made the savvy decision to give the movie a big dose of reality by bringing real cowboys, including world champion bull rider Bonner Bolton, into the film. Bolton, now the most captivating contestant on Dancing with the Stars, plays protagonist Luke Collins in the film. Or rather Eastwood plays Collins — right up till its time to get on a bull. Then Bolton takes over. (The stunt riding responsibilities were actually shared by four pro PBR bull riders — but we’re talking about Bonner Bolton here!)
If Bolton’s agents have their way, Bolton — with his good looks and undeniable charisma — may end up as big a star as Eastwood some day. Maybe even that other Eastwood. Bonner Bolton really brings the authenticity, something that made Clint Eastwood a star. You can certainly picture Bolton whispering to a bull: “Go ahead, make my day.” Bolton isn’t listed as an actor on The Longest Ride, which may be the last time this 29-year-old sensation doesn’t have his name in lights.
