Synopsis

In 1962, fourteen-year-old Walter is sent to spend the summer with his eccentric great-uncles, Hub and Garth, on their isolated Texas farm. Initially wary of the old men's wild stories and unconventional habits, Walter gradually discovers a world of adventure, courage, and loyalty. As the uncles' past catches up with them, the boy learns to question appearances and find his own sense of family.

Factoids & Trivia

• The film was released theatrically in the United States on September 19, 2003, with a reported production budget of $30 million.

• Principal photography took place in Texas. The farmhouse seen in the film was a real, occupied home rather than a purpose-built set. Production added elements including a tower and an extended porch, then restored the property afterward.

• Filming was done in sequence because Walter's voice changes noticeably as the young performer went through puberty during production.

• The lion was created through a combination of live-animal work, animatronics, and digital visual effects. Digital Domain handled the special visual effects and digital animation, while Artists' Asylum provided the animatronic lion.

• A scene involving the film's pig produced an unexpected on-set hazard when the animal attacked the actor playing Walter. The lion, despite requiring several handlers, was apparently considered less troublesome than the pig.

• The ending was reshot after test audiences responded negatively to the original version. The revised ending cost approximately $600,000, and the original ending was later included as a DVD extra.

• The film marked the feature directorial debut of screenwriter Tim McCanlies, who had previously written the screenplay for The Iron Giant.

• Secondhand Lions earned approximately $48.3 million worldwide during its theatrical run.