If you haven’t seen Netflix’s hit show “Last Chance U” then you are missing out.
While the show is focused on top tier athletes who find themselves at junior college for one last crack at getting back into division I programs, which is definitely compelling, the humble and caring counselor who tries to keep them in line steals the show.
Brittany Wagner and her positive attitude, southern charm, and earnest concern for these youngsters as they deal with immense pressure and difficult life circumstances is impossible not to appreciate. Faithwire recently chatted with her to discuss her captivating role in the program, what her day to day life is like trying to help these struggling kids achieve their dreams.
We also inadvertently stumbled on some breaking news – Wagner revealed she has inked a deal and there is a feature film being made about her life that should be released within two years. If you would’ve told Wagner two years ago, prior to Netflix creating the hit show, if she’d be the subject of a major Hollywood film she would’ve told you that you were nuts.
She may have even chucked one of her infamous pencils at you.
Ok, probably not. She’s too sweet and patient to have outbursts like that. But her rise from obscurity to national prominence is nothing short of surreal.
She’s seen early on in the series, driving in to work and lamenting the fact that she’s in the tiny town of Scooba, Mississippi after having big dreams for her career. The video montage at the beginning of the show provides insight to just how remote and small the town is. But instead of complaining, she decides she’s going to make the best of it and impact lives where she’s been planted.
And boy, did that ever pay off big time.
Not only is the feature film on the way – and she won’t say which actress will portray her – but she has since (spoiler alert) left the job that made her famous in order to start her own company, 10 Thousand Pencils.
The name of the company comes from her running catch phrase on the program, “Do you have a pencil?” because she had to repeat it so often to players wandering into class empty-handed.
If you’ve seen the show, you already love her and will enjoy the below conversation. If you haven’t, your going to instantly find out why her life’s work and journey resonated with so many people.
The news about the feature film comes towards the end of the interview, at the 23:00 minute mark.
When mentioning that she had a strong resemblance to Sandra Bullock, Faithwire host Dan Andros asked Wagner if she had any movie offers in the works.
“I do, I do. That is something that is likely to happen within the next couple of years,” she replied, without hesitation.
Wagner’s contract did not allow her to reveal who was playing her in the movie, but she could confirm it was not Bullock. Andros then asked if Reece Witherspoon may be the one, Wagner simply laughed and didn’t answer one way or the other to that inquiry.
A great interview of someone who remained humble and ended up being rewarded big time. Now, she’s looking to give back to as many athletes as she possibly can.
Take a listen: