Bethany Hamilton Films 'Dolphin Tale 2,' Gives Thanks to God 10 Years After Shark-Attack

By Rebecca Keller
Bethany Hamilton and Winter the dolphin
Bethany Hamilton and Winter the dolphin comingsoon.net

"Soul Surfer"s Bethany Hamilton, the 23-year-old pro surfer, will portray herself in Alcon Entertainment's family feature, "Dolphin Tale 2," according to Variety. This past week also marked the ten year anniversary since a shark-attack that radically changed her life. 

Warner Bros. is releasing "Dolphin Tale 2" on Sept. 19, 2014. The sequel will tell another true story inspired by the life of Winter the Dolphin, involving a new baby dolphin named Hope who was rescued by the Clearwater Marine Aquarium in 2010.

Hamilton, who will play herself in "Dolphin Tale 2," has become a source of inspiration to millions through her story of faith, determination and hope. 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. Miraculously, just one month after the attack, Hamilton returned to the water. She even went on to win a national title, and eventually realized her dream of becoming a professional surfer.  

Hamilton will join the original film's returning cast, including Harry Connick, Jr., Morgan Freeman, Kris Kristofferson, Ashley Judd and Nathan Gamble.

Winter the Dolphin, who has resided at the Clearwater facility since 2005, played herself in the movie. 

"Sooo excited to be in Florida filming for #DolphinTale2 Winter is awesome," Bethany wrote on Instagram last week.

She also posted a picture with Winter the dolphin and her husband Adam Dirks in Clearwater, Florida.

The past week marked 10 years since she lost her arm to a tiger shark attack. Bethany wrote on Facebook, "10 incredible year[s] ago I lost my arm, but I say it was a gain... I have only learned & grown from that day. God is faithful & I am thankful! And I'm forever grateful to all my fans and supporter who make me want to be my best most beautiful self!!!"

Bethany Hamilton, her husband and Winter the dolphin
Bethany Hamilton, her husband and Winter the dolphin post by Bethany Hamilton on Instagram
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