Actor Kal Penn to play Toronto Raptors superfan in new film
Hollywood actor Kal Penn is gearing up to play Toronto Raptors superfan Nav Bhatia on the big screen.
The news first broke in an exclusive report by Deadline but was later confirmed on social media by both parties.
"Superfan is going Hollywood," Bhatia said on Twitter. "Excited to have Kal Penn say yes to playing me in the new biopic!!"
"I cant believe all of this. I'm speechless and I'm honored!
Bhatia attended his first Raptors game in 1995 after the team joined the NBA and previously told CTV News Toronto that he became "addicted."
Toronto Raptors 'Superfan' Nav Bhatia shows off the detail on a championship ring presented to him following a ceremony to celebrate the Raptors' 2019 NBA Championship ahead of their home opener against New Orleans Pelicans in Toronto on Tuesday October 22, 2019. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young
In over 25 years, Bhatia has never missed a home game.
He is also known for gifting thousands of Raptors tickets to members of the Sikh community including a large number of children, to celebrate Vaisakhi, the Sikh new year.
In May, he became one of the first fans to ever be honoured at the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.
Penn, who is known for his roles on "House," "Designated Survivor," and "Harold & Kumar," took to Twitter to say that he is "super excited" to bring Bhatia's story to Hollywood.
"Lots of us are basketball fans, but there's only one (Nav Bhatia)," he wrote.
"His story of perseverance and unity is incredible and I'm super excited to bring his super fan story to the (super?) big screen."
Other than the fact that the film is being produced by Stampede Ventures, few other details have been released publicly.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.