Ernie Hudson has joined the cast of Hal, an indie feature drama inspired by the true story behind the founding of the humanitarian organization Convoy of Hope.
Hudson joins previously announced cast members Alexander Ludwig and Emma Roberts in the project, which is entering production in Atlanta in the coming days.
Directed by Mark Williams and written by Mark Edwin Robinson, Hal is a Zero Gravity Management production that traces the early life of Hal Donaldson. The film follows Donaldson, a journalist shaped by hardship who believes his voice is his path forward. When he meets Doree, a gifted musician, their relationship becomes a stabilizing force as his reporting takes him into communities marked by deep suffering and inequality.
As Hal witnesses humanitarian crises firsthand, the line between observing and acting begins to blur. Confronted with the limits of storytelling alone, he’s pulled toward a calling that demands more than words—setting in motion the events that ultimately lead to the creation of Convoy of Hope.
Founded in 1994, Convoy of Hope has since delivered hundreds of millions of meals and provided clean water to millions of people across dozens of countries. The organization is widely recognized for its large-scale disaster relief efforts, long-term community development initiatives, and its ability to mobilize public-private partnerships to reach underserved populations.
Details about Hudson’s role are being kept under wraps.
Hudson is best known for his work across film and television, including the Ghostbusters franchise, Grace and Frankie, The Crow, and more. He currently stars in The Family Business and Boston Blue, with upcoming projects including A24’s Famous and a voice role as Combat Carl in Toy Story 5. He is represented by Independent Artist Group and Zero Gravity Management.