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
RCMP uncovers alleged plot by 2 Montreal men to illegally sell drones, equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a plot by two men in Montreal to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Demonstrators kicked out of Ontario legislature for disruption after failed keffiyeh vote
A group of demonstrators were kicked out of the legislature after a second NDP motion calling for unanimous consent to reverse a ban on the keffiyeh failed to pass.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
Government agrees to US$138.7M settlement over FBI's botching of Larry Nassar assault allegations
The U.S. Justice Department announced a US$138.7 million settlement Tuesday with more than 100 people who accused the FBI of grossly mishandling allegations of sexual assault against Larry Nassar in 2015 and 2016, a critical time gap that allowed the sports doctor to continue to prey on victims before his arrest.
Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Thieves use stolen forklift to rip cash machine out of U.K. bank
Police in the U.K. are searching for a group of suspects seen on video using a forklift to steal a cash machine from a bank.
'There was a lot of black smoke': Crane operator sounds alarm while trapped during highrise fire in Halifax
A tower crane operator alerted emergency crews after noticing a fire on a construction site in Halifax Tuesday morning.