Archive · 31 Jan 2026
Nia Vardalos Joins Cast of Sports Drama '21 Down'
A new movie called '21 Down' is being made.
It's about a boy named Caden Cox who has Down syndrome and became the first person with Down syndrome to play and score in a college football game.
The movie is about his family's determination to help him achieve his dream.
Ashley Judd plays Caden's mom, and Nia Vardalos, Dylan Walsh, and others are also in the movie.
It's being filmed in Atlanta and is based on a true story.
Nia Vardalos, Dylan Walsh, Richard T. Jones, Moira Kelly, Christopher Convery, Joshua Malina, and Max Adler join Ashley Judd in the sports drama '21 Down'.
The film is inspired by the true story of Caden Cox, who made history by becoming the first person with Down syndrome to play and score in a college football game.
Ashley Judd plays Caden’s mother Mari, focusing on the family's determination to help their son achieve his dream.
Sean McNamara will direct the film, with a screenplay by Jay Paul Deratany and Oscar-winning writer Ron Bass.
The film is currently shooting in Atlanta and is produced by Andrew Sugerman through Pantheon Entertainment, with Jay Paul Deratany also serving as a producer through Reel Red Films.
- Who
- Nia Vardalos, Dylan Walsh, Richard T. Jones, Moira Kelly, Christopher Convery, Joshua Malina, Max Adler, Ashley Judd, Sean McNamara, Jay Paul Deratany, Ron Bass, Andrew Sugerman, Melissa Bickerton, Thom Lipari
- What
- The sports drama '21 Down' is a deeply moving story about family, perseverance, and the fight for inclusion, inspired by the true story of Caden Cox, who became the first person with Down syndrome to play and score in a college football game.
- When
- The film is currently shooting in Atlanta.
- Where
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Why
- To tell the story of Caden Cox's journey and the unwavering determination of his parents to help him achieve his dream.
- Title
- 21 Down
- Genre
- Sports Drama
- Director
- Sean McNamara
- Screenwriters
- Jay Paul Deratany, Ron Bass
- Producers
- Andrew Sugerman, Jay Paul Deratany
- Executive Producers
- Ashley Judd, Melissa Bickerton, Thom Lipari
- Production Company
- Pantheon Entertainment, Reel Red Films
- Filming Location
- Atlanta