Synopsis

Set in Depression-era New York, young Yankee Irving is blamed when Babe Ruth's prized baseball bat is stolen from Yankee Stadium. Determined to clear his father's name, Yankee follows the bat aboard a train bound for Chicago. Along the way, he makes unlikely friends, faces relentless pursuit, and learns that courage and persistence matter more than natural athletic talent.

Factoids & Trivia

• The story began as a bedtime tale created by Howard Jonas, founder of IDT Entertainment. It was later expanded into a feature screenplay by Robert Kurtz and Jeff Hand.

• The project was originally titled "Yankee Irving." IDT Entertainment announced the name change to "Everyone's Hero" in March 2006.

• Christopher Reeve worked closely on the film during its development and early production. He helped shape the story, storyboards, character designs, and overall tone before his death in October 2004.

• Dana Reeve remained involved as a cast member and executive producer. The film was dedicated to both Dana and Christopher Reeve, and it became Dana's final film appearance before her death in March 2006.

• The production used computer animation created primarily in Toronto, with some scenes completed by Reel FX in Dallas. The animators used Maya software, Syflex for cloth simulation, Mental Ray for lighting and rendering, and Fusion for compositing.

• The filmmakers reconstructed New York City's former Pennsylvania Station from historical photographs and architectural drawings. The station had been demolished in 1963.

• A complex train sequence combined computer-generated animation with painted 2D elements. Moving light sources were used to make the train's changing surroundings and speed easier to follow.

• The film was designed for a fall 2006 release timed to the baseball playoffs and World Series. It opened in the United States on September 15, 2006.

• "Everyone's Hero" was made on an estimated $35 million budget and earned approximately $16.6 million worldwide.