NYAD release date, photos, cast, synopsis, and more

Inspired by the incredible true story of 64-year-old Diana Nyad, a swimmer who became the first to complete the “Everest of swims” by swimming through 110 miles of open water between Cuba and Florida without a shark cage, Nyad is a compelling and remarkable upcoming film starring Annette Bening releasing on Netflix later this year.

This biographical sports drama is based on Nyad’s book Find A Way, and it’s co-directed by the Academy Award-winning documentary filmmaker Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and athlete/film director Jimmy Chin. Emmy-winning writer Ann Biderman and Julia Cox (whose script Do No Harm previously made the Black List) co-wrote the screenplay.

Nyad will be released in select theaters beginning on October 20, and then it will come to Netflix on November 3.

Annette Bening stars as swimmer Diana Nyad. Academy Award-winning actress Jodie Foster will co-star as Diana’s longtime coach and close friend, Bonnie Stoll. Welsh actor Rhys Ifans, known for his roles in the Harry Potter films and House of the Dragon, will play Diana’s chief navigator John Bartlett.

Nyad cast and characters list

Releasing this fall, Nyad feels poised for an awards season campaign. I anticipate Netflix lobbying for some best directing and acting noms for the film, especially for Annette Bening as Diana Nyad. We all know how much the Academy loves inspiring biographical films!

Here is the official synopsis shared by Netflix:

A remarkable true story of tenacity, friendship and the triumph of the human spirit, NYAD recounts a riveting chapter in the life of world-class athlete Diana Nyad. Three decades after giving up marathon swimming in exchange for a prominent career as a sports journalist, at the age of 60, Diana (four-time Academy Award nominee Annette Bening) becomes obsessed with completing an epic swim that always eluded her: the 110 mile trek from Cuba to Florida, often referred to as the “Mount Everest” of swims. Determined to become the first person to finish the swim without a shark cage, Diana goes on a thrilling, four-year journey with her best friend and coach Bonnie Stoll (two-time Academy Award winner Jodie Foster) and a dedicated sailing team.

The inspirational and thrilling film marks the narrative directorial debut of Academy Award-winning documentary filmmakers Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin (Free Solo, The Rescue). NYAD is produced by Andrew Lazar, p.g.a. and Teddy Schwarzman, p.g.a. with a screenplay by Julia Cox, adapted from the memoir “Find a Way” by Diana Nyad.

Nyad doesn’t “stand” for anything. It’s not an acronym. It’s just the last name of swimmer Diana Nyad, whose story is at the center of this movie.

Get your first look at Annette Bening, Jodie Foster, and more stars in the upcoming film.

Netflix hasn’t released a trailer or teaser for Nyad yet. Stay tuned to Netflix Life for updates on the film.

Nyad is releasing this fall on Netflix. Read the book before the movie comes out.

November 3Nyad cast and characters listHere is the official synopsis shared by NetflixNyad is releasing this fall on Netflix. Read the book before the movie comes out.