'The Hill' Filmmakers to Launch Story of Cody's Wish

Director Jeff Celentano and producer Warren Ostergard of "The Hill," this year's award-winning sports drama starring Dennis Quaid, have reunited to launch Enliven Content, a film and television production company with an eye towards true, inspiring, and uplifting stories.

First up for development on the company's slate is "Cody's Wish," the incredible and inspirational true story of champion racehorse Cody's Wish   and his endearing bond with his namesake, Cody Dorman, a Kentucky teenager with a rare genetic disorder and love for horse racing.

"The success of 'The Hill' showed us how millions of people are yearning for films the whole family can enjoy," said Ostergard. "Enliven Content was founded to bring true, heartfelt stories to life, and we're honored to have 'Cody's Wish' as our first original movie. This film will touch hearts around the world."

The film will be penned by Jake Crane (Devotion) and directed by Celentano. Celentano will also share producer credits with Ostergard and Mark Ciardi (The Rookie, Miracle, Invincible, Secretariat) of Select Films. Mark Robert Ellis will co-produce.

"I was captivated by Cody's bravery in the face of overwhelming odds, and I'm honored to be able to tell the unique and inspiring story of his connection to such a special racehorse," said Crane.

Casting is set to begin in the coming months.

"The extraordinary bond shared between Cody's Wish and Cody Dorman transcends racing, transcends sport, and bears us witness to something truly magical," said Celentano. "Our company is dedicated to creating content that leaves its audience inspired, hopeful, and alive, and this story will do just that. It's a beautiful story and we're absolutely honored to tell it."

Dorman first met the horse during a Make-A-Wish visit to Gainsborough Farm in Lexington when Cody's Wish was a 5-month-old weanling in 2018. Unnamed at the time, the animal walked over to Dorman's wheelchair and put his head in the boy's lap. Dorman drew the same reaction in succeeding visits, and the horse never failed to acknowledge the young boy's presence. When it came time to give the horse his name, Cody's Wish took the title in honor of Dorman and the organization that connected the two.

From there, the bond between the two continued to grow, as Cody's Wish was seemingly inspired by his namesake, never losing a race when Dorman was in attendance. Wins included back-to-back Breeders' Cup victories, the Churchill Stakes, Met Mile, and Forego Stakes at Saratoga, among others.

Dorman died in 2023, a day after Cody's Wish won his second Breeders' Cup and the final race of his career.

"As the story of Cody's Wish grew, everyone we told about it would say, 'This will be a movie someday,' " said Kelly Dorman, Cody's father. "We're incredibly grateful to Enliven Content for agreeing to share the remarkable connection between our son Cody and his best friend, Cody's Wish."