If Soul Surfer was just a little too on-the-nose and cloying, L.A. Confidential and Wonder Boys director Curtis Hanson is delivering a more serious surfing drama this year with Chasing Mavericks. Previously going under Of Men and Mavericks (and just Mavericks), the film is a biopic of the late surfing icon Jay Moriarty, who made news conquering a massive wave at age 16 (which is the story this film takes on), before dying at the age of 22 in a diving accident.

Jonny Weston plays the character, but the biggest name here is Gerard Butler, fitting in as the role of mentor. Although I’m not particularly invested in the content at hand, Hanson has been known to craft a solid drama with strong characters and while the trailer seems a bit generic, I have faith he can pull it off again with the subject matter here. Check out the trailer below via MTV for the film also starring Abigail Spencer and Elisabeth Shue.

Synopsis:

Based on the inspirational true story of surfing icon Jay Moriarity, Chasing Mavericks tells the story of a young man’s quest to surf Northern California’s most dangerous waves, and the local legend who takes him under his wing. What begins as a mentorship turns into a unique bond, as the two unlikely friends discover that there is nothing more powerful than pushing your limits and chasing a nearly impossible dream.

Chasing Mavericks hits theaters October 26th, 2012.