Maria Bello will play Donna McLoughlin, the wife of Sgt. John McLoughlin (played by Nicolas Cage), one of two Port Authority officers who were trapped in the rubble after trying to rescue 9/11 victims and who were eventually pulled to safety by other rescue personnel. Michael Pena will star as officer William J. Jimeno, the other officer who survived being trapped. Maggie Gyllenhaal ("Happy Endings") has been cast as his wife, Allison.
In a statement issued by Paramount Pictures, producers Michael Shamberg and Stacey said, "As we cast this project, we brought the actors together with the real-life heroes they'll be playing. Both the Jimenos and the McLoughlins were impressed by the level of commitment that Michael, Maggie, and Maria were making to tell this story the right way. They all have the complete support of both families."
"I was really impressed when I met Will -- the police motto, 'protect and serve,' really means something to him. All he ever wanted to do is be a cop -- it's one thing to read that on the page, but another thing to hear him say it. It feels great to be making a movie about great cops," explained Pena.
Gyllenhaal said, "I'm excited to be a part of this important project. Will and John are genuine heroes and I think their wives, Allison and Donna, are heroes, too. I feel privileged to be part of a project that will remember how we all came together on that day."
Bello said, "It's been a very long time since I've been as moved as when I read Andrea's screenplay. I knew immediately that I wanted to be a part of telling this extraordinary story. And to have the opportunity to collaborate with the brilliance of Oliver and Nic is a creative dream."
Source: Paramount Pictures
